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HISTORY 



SCITUATE, 



MASSACHUSETTS, 



FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO 1831. 



By SAMUEL DEANE. 



BOSTON: 

JAMES LORING, 132 WASHINGTON STREET. 

1831. 



rn-^ 



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^^n 



X 



Entered accoiding to Act of Congress, in tlic year 1831, 

by James Loring, in the Clerk's Office of the 

District Court of Massachusetts. 




3 - M/\Y - 2 I 
^^•^v .^ 1962 I 



PREFACE 



The value of Town histories if faithfully compiled, is read- 
ily acknowledged, since it is from such sources, that more 
general histories may acquire accuracy. The reasons for at- 
tempting a more perfect and copious history of Scituate, than 
has hitherto appeared, may be found in the facts, that it was 
one of the earliest settlements in New England, that it took 
the lead in population, and bore an important part in the civil 
and military affairs of Plymouth Colony, that it has produced 
eminent characters, and furnished colonists for peopling more 
recent settlements, in many of the States of the Union. 

The first settlers came in by the way of Plymouth, and 
some of them were of the first ship's company. There was a 
large access to the settlement in 1633, which company came 
by the way of Boston, with Mr. Lothrop, their pastor. Pre- 
vious to 1640, most of the population was from the County of 
Kent in England, but about the latter date, many came in 
from Hingham, Dorchester, Watertown, Weymouth and Nan- 
tasket, at which places they had resided a few years : many of 
these were from London, and more, perhaps, from Dorset- 
shire. 

Though emigrations have been constantly making from this 
early settlement, yet we have noticed some remarkable periods 
of those emigrations: for example. In 1G40, to Barnstable, 
when nearly half the population departed. In 1650, to York 
and its vicinity. In 1658, to Barbadoes. In 1670, to Reho- 
both and Swansey. In 1690, to Norwich, Con. In 1710, 



PREFACE. 



to Newport and Scituate, Rhode Island. In 1760, to Ches- 
terfield, Ver. and soon after to Turner, Harpswell and Tops- 
ham, Maine. 

We make no apology for publishing even trifling incidents or 
barren genealogies, of those families which have opened a new 
world to civilization and religion. 

It will be seen in the following pages, that we have diligent- 
ly consulted the records of the Town and of the churches, as 
well as the records of both Plymouth and Massachusetts 
Colonies, and other works to which we have made occasional 
reference. We acknowledge the kindly facilities in consulting 
documents, &:c. which we have received from Edward D. 
Bangs, Esq. Secretary, Rosseter Cotton, Esq. of Plymouth, 
Hon. John Davis, Hon. James Savage, Mr. Isaac P. Davis, 
of Boston, and other gentlemen, whose favours are noticed in 
the course of the work. We have attempted to correct some 
mistakes and inaccuracies in a former account of Scituate, 
published in the Historical Society's papers, A. D. 1816 : for 
which mistakes we may have been, in part, responsible, hav- 
ing furnished to Samuel Davis, Esq. many of the notes from 
which that account was compiled : but we have been careful 
to quote authority, whenever we have adverted to the mistakes 
of any previous writer or compiler. We boast not of the 
accuracy of this work : we only venture to say, that we have 
endeavoured faithfully to use the materials that have fallen in 
our way, and that we shall esteem it a favour, for true history's 
sake, to have our mistakes, in turn, pointed out and corrected 
by future historians. 



sia^^^iB^ 



OF 



S CI T U A T E 



SciTUATE,* a Post Town in the County of Plymouth. It 
has been ascertained by repeated observations at the Harbour, 
that it Hes in North Lat. 42° 12', and in West Long, from 
Greenwich, 70° 35'. The harbour is nearly 21 miles from 
Plymouth, and 28 miles from Boston, by the most direct roads. 



Boundaries. 

The boundaries were not settled very early. It seemed to 
have been the intention of the Colony Court to grant lands from 
time to time to new planters as they requested it, until it 
should become a settlement of sujfiicient magnitude, to require 
corporate powers within itself. March 7, 1G42, we find this 
Court Order. " The bounds of Scituate Township, on the 
westerly side of said Town, shall be up the Indian Head River, 
to the Pond which is the head of said River, and from thence 
to Accord Pond, and from thence to the Sea, by the line that 
is the bound between Mass. h Plym." This settled the boun- 
daries on the East, South and West the Indian Head River, 
with its continuation called North River, being understood to 

* This name is derived from Satuit brook which fiills into the harbour : it 
means " cold brook." The name of the Town was written Satuit and Seteat 
at first, and not until 1040 did tlie ortiiograpliy brconie settled. The Town 
of Scituate, in 11. I. probably derived its name from this loun, A part of 
that township, called tiie " Westconnoid purchase" was owned by the fam- 
ily of Wanton (from Scituate) and others. 

1 



BOUNDARIES. 



comprehend the whole easterly line — with one exception, how- 
ever, which we will here notice. In 1636 we find the following 
entry in the Col. Rec. " Mr Hatherly in behalf of the Church 
at Scituate, complained that the place was too straite for them, 
the landes adjacent being stoney, and not convenient to plant 
upon." The Court passed the following order " that they have 
liberty to seeke out a convenient place for their residing within 
the Colonic, or that some other lands be layed to them for 
more comfortable subsistence." This matter was in agitation 
nearly four years, for we find the settlers of Scituate were not 
satisfied until 1640, when a grant was made to them "of two 
miles in length and one mile in breadth on the easterly side of 
the N. River." We mention this here as an exception to the 
boundaries above ; we shall notice the territory called " The 
Two Miles " hereafter. The boundaries continued as above 
until A. D. 1727, when that part of the iovm on the southerly 
side of the third Herring brook, was incorporated by the name of 
Hanover.* In this form it continued until 1788, when the 
"Two Miles" was ceded to Marshfield. The Town is now 
bounded N. W. by Hingham and Cohasset, N. E. by Massachu- 
setts Bay, S. E. by N. River which separates it from Marshfield 
and Pembroke, and S. W. by Hanover and Abington. 

The N. W. line of Scituate, being also the Colony line, was 
long a subject of tedious controversy. It may be proper here 
to subjoin a brief history of the transactions relative to that line. 
As early as 1636, there was found to be a want of a definitive 
settlement of the line. Hingham which then included Cohasset, 
claimed a part of the marshes on the East side of " Conihassett 
Gulph." The plea of Scituate was that the gulph was a good 
natural boundary, and therefore the proper boundary between 
the two patents. Hingham on the other hand pleaded, that the 



* The first Minister of Hanover was Mr Benjamin Bass of Braintree, H. C. 
1715 — ordained Dec. 1728. He has descendants in Hanover. The second 
IVIinister was Mr Samuel Baldwin, H. C. 1752 — ord. 1757 — mar. Hannah, 
daughter of Chief Justice John Cushin^:, 175S. Tiie wife of Mr Robert Sal- 
mon of Hanover i>i his daughter. He was descended from Henry Baldwin, 
who came froin Devonshire, Eng. and settled at Woburn, 1650. The son of 
Henry, was ll«nry, and the son of the latter was David, the father of Rev. 
Samuel, of Hanover. (Farmer.) The third Minister was Mr John Mellen, 
H. C. 174n. Minis:er of Sterlini;, 1744 — installed at Hanover, 1782. His 
sons were Rev. John, II. C. 1770, and minister of Barnstable — Henry, Esq. 
of Dover, N. H., II. C. 1784, counsellor at law, and Hon. Prentiss Mellen, 
H. C. 1784, now Chief Justice of Maine- Rev. Samuel Rlellen died at 
Reading, 1807, aged 85. He was succeeded by Rev. Calvin Chadwick, 
Dart. Col. 178G. To whom succeeded Rev. Seth Chapin, 1816 — B. U. 1808. 
Rev. Ethan Smith is the present pastor. 



BOUNDARIES. 6 

marshes were a natural accommodation to the highlands on both 
sides. Winthrop observes, (Vol, 1.284), "We only desired 
so much of the marshes there as might accommodate Hingham," 
and adds, " We caused Charles River (patent) to be surveyed 
and found it to come so far southward as would fetch in Scituate 
and more — but this was referred to a meeting betweene us." 
In May, 1637, the Commissioners, Mr Timothy Hatherly and 
Mr Nathaniel Tilden, on the part of Plymouth, and Mr William 
Aspinwall and Mr Joseph Andrews on the part of Massachusetts 
were appointed to settle the line. Mass. Rec. I. 192 : but we 
have not discovered that they came to any agreement. Again 
in 1640, Commissioners were appointed for the same purpose 
— viz. William Bradford, Gov. and Edward Winslow, gent, on 
the part of Plymouth, and John Endicott, Gov. and Israel 
Stoughton, gent, on the part of Mass. They met and settled 
the line as follows — " from the mouth of the brooke that run- 
eth into Conihasset marshes, in a straight line to the middle of 
Accord Pond." P. C. Rec. I. Winthrop II. p. 18. adds that 
" 60 acres of marsh on Scituate side " were adjudged to belong 
to Hingham. But this decision could not stand long, not giving 
satisfaction to the Plymouth government, because it was found, 
on review, that the marsh in question, at least a part of it, had 
already been pledged and appropriated by the government to 
Scituate men. Again in 1656, another Commission was ap- 
pointed, viz. " WiUiam Torrey and Capt. Brackett on the part 
of Mass. and Josiah Winslow and another on the part of Plym. 
who decided that " the Gulph shall stand as the boundary." 
PI. Col. Rec. Again, June 1659, "Maj. Josiah Winslow, 
Lieut. Southworth, and Robert Stetson are appointed by the 
Court to join with such as the Bay Govt, may appoint, to run 
the line betwixt the Bay Govt, and us." PI. Col. Rec, We 
are not sure that Mass. appointed Commissioners that year. 
There seems to have been some delay — and when in 1663, 
Maj, Ebenezer Lusher, Capt, Roger Clap and Lieut, Joseph 
Fisher were appointed for this purpose by Mass. Court, they 
speak of past " neglect grievous to our neighbours and hurtful to 
ourselves." In May 1664, a return of the above Commission- 
ers was made, finally establishing the line as in 1656. We will 
here remark, that although the colony line was amicably adjust- 
ed, yet an uneasiness long continued between the towns of 
Scituate and Hingham, There were conflicting claims amongst 
individuals. The Mass, Government had made grants of cer- 
tain lands which appeared to lie within the Plymouth Patent ; 
and the Plymouth Court had done in like manner ; and the 



CONIHASSETT GRANT. 



grantees were not willing to recede on either hand. A. D. 1685, 
the town of Scituate voted " to block up the highway leading 
from Scituate Common lands to Hingham, to prevent the great 
trespasses by those of Hingham." They had several times re- 
covered damages of individuals : the last which we notice on 
record was in 1692, when the Town recovered damages against 
Capt. John Jacob, Joseph Jacob, Joshua Lincoln, sen. Nathaniel 
Beal, jun. and Joseph Dunbar of Hingham and Joseph Green 
of Weymouth. Scit. Rec. Vol. 6.* As late as 1721 the 
Selectmen of Scituate were chosen agents to settle the line 
between their town and Hingham. We believe it was then 
adjusted so far as it has been or probably will be : for if the 
line were now run out according to the lines of the proprietors 
of the lands, it would vary somewhat from " a straight line from 
bound rock to Accord pond." 

A. D. 1682, Agents were appointed to settle the line between 
Scituate and Marshfield. Thomas Turner and Samuel Clap 
on the part of Scituate, Nathaniel Thomas and Samuel Sprague 
on the part of Marshfield. Their report was as follows. " The 
main channel as it now runneth down the N. River, from the 
upper part of said Marshfield to the sea. And whereas, at a 
place in the said river called the Green islands, the channel doth 
divide and runneth on both sides, it is agreed that the said Green 
islands shall be equally divided into parts," &;c. Scit. Rec. V. 6. 
As late as Oct. 1782, a Resolve of General Court established 
this line thus, " from the River's mouth following the channel 
to Thomas Little's bank — thence with the channel to the mouth 
of Bass hole channel — through the guzzle between horse-shoe 
flat and great flat to a stake near Pincin's bank." 



CONIHASSETT GRANT.f 

Within the territory as above bounded, was included a large 
tract of land, which the Colony Court had granted to four gentle- 
men, usuallv called " merchant adventurers of London." The 



* The name of Edward Gillman (the first ancestor of that distinguished 
family) is perpetuated in Scituate, and " Gillman Plain " received its name 
from Ills trespass. Scit. Rec. V. 4. (old leaf) 

" Recovered of Edward Gyllman for damage done to the Town Swamps, 
26£ 10s. Od. Rec'd of Ed. Gyllman for damages, &c. 

Eleven ffirkins of sopc at IBs, - - £9 . 18 . 
In Cassel sope and shoes ... - 3.0.0 

In Tobacco . 1 . G 

t Conihassett means a fishing promontory. Flint's Century Sermon. 



CONIHASSETT GRANT. 



following Court Order, A. D. 1633, relates to [this subject. 
" That the whole tract of land between the brook at Scituate, 
on the N. W. side, and Conahassett, be left undisposed of, till 
we know the resolution of Mr James Shirley, Mr John Beau- 
champ, Mr Richard Andrews and Mr Timothy Hatherly." 
Again in 1635, "The Gov. (Mr Prence,) Mr Collier, Mr 
Alden, Mr Brown and Mr Rowland were directed to view 
that portion of ground on the north side of the North River 
'(note — it is meant Satuit brook) and if they find it more benefi- 
cial for farms to Scituate than to these parts, then to allot it to 
them ; if not, to reserve it." It was reserved. But in Oct. 
1637, the above tract was granted to Messrs Hatherly, Andrews, 
Beauchamp and Shirley, "extending three miles up into the 
woods from the high water mark in the brook," &:c. This grant 
gave considerable uneasiness to the planters at Scituate. There 
were already several settlers upon the land. Adjustments were 
to be made with these. The line was not definite, and many 
controversies arose, of which we find traces in the Colony Re- 
cords for many years. A review was ordered in 1652, but the 
Court decided " having seen and heard the Review, we cannot 
but allow and ratify the line done by our order." Still the con- 
troversy went on with as much spirit as before. It is difiicult 
for us at this time to recount all the entanglements of this matter, 
and we will only remark, that, in addition to the trouble which 
the proprietors of the Conihasset grant had experienced in set- 
tling with the " squatters " upon their land, they had to encoun- 
ter an opposition from the planters of Scituate, to their being 
admitted to common shares in the town lands. With reference 
to these controversies, the following Court order was passed in 
1654. " In regard of sundry contentions and entanglements 
betwixt Mr Hatherly and sundry inhabitants of Scituate, the 
Court doth grant unto Mr Hatherly, to satisfy the partners of 
Conihassett, a certain competency of land, out of the bounds of 
any particular township, on the westerly side of the to^vn of 
Scituate aforesaid." Again, with reference to the above order, 
in 1656, it was ordered, "that the Town take some speedy 
course to run out their head or westerly line between the pond 
at Indian Head River and Accord Pond, otherwise, if they 
neglect it, and the Court grant land that may be found to preju- 
dice them, they may blame themselves." In July, 1656, tlie 
Court granted to Mr Hatherly " a tract of three miles square, 
extending from Accord Pond three miles southerly." But the 
boundaries of the Conihassett grant were not yet settled. A 
review was had in 1671 by a committee of eight persons of 



O CONIHASSETT GRANT. 

Scituate, four on each part, in conjunction with two magistrates. 
And finally, in 1682 agents were appointed by the Town, viz. 
John Gushing and Samuel Clap, to be joined by agents of the 
Court's appointing, and they agreed, " that the line should 
extend three miles from high water mark in Satuit Brook N. W. 
and by W. then three miles N. and by W. to Bound brook." 
Scit. Rec. V. 6. 

We will now remark, that the Conihassett Grant was purchased 
by Mr Hatherly of the other Merchant Adventurers before 
164G: and that in this year, he divided it into 30 shares (re- 
serving one fourth part of the whole) and sold it for £180 to a 
certain company, since called the " Conihassett partners." 
Many of this company were such as had already located them- 
selves upon these lands, and thus an amicable adjustment was 
made with those individuals. 

The partners were Mr Charles Chauncy, Thomas Cham- 
bers, John Williams, sen. James Cudworth, Joseph Tilden, 
Henry Merritt, Thomas Rawlins, Thomas Tarte, John Hoar, 
Richard Sealis, Thomas Ensign, Thomas Chittenden, John 
Stockbridge, John Allin, Thomas Hiland, John Whetcomb, 
John Woodfield, Edward Jenkins, John Hallett, Ann Vinall, 
William Holmes, John Whiston, Gowin White, John Daman, 
Rhodolphus Eellms and Richard Man. These partners ap- 
pointed their clerks, surveyors, committees and agents, and 
conducted their affairs with all the efficiency of a corporate 
town. They laid but and maintained their own roadj, until 
1715; they made grants to their minister, &;c. Their first 
clerk was Richard Garrett, he being a skilful penman, though 
not a partner ; the second, James Torrey ; their third, Steven 
Vinall, and the fourth and last, Samuel Jenkins. Their records 
were kept of all transactions, conveyances, fee. in beautiful 
order, and fill a large volume. Their last meeting on record 
was 1767. 

We have stated above, that in 1656, a tract of three miles 
square was granted to Mr Hatherly as indemnity for his " en- 
tanglements" with the people of Scituate " and to satisfy the 
Conihassett partners" — and we will now add, that this tract was 
divided into 40 parts, and 27 of them assigned to the Conihassett 
partners. The boundary of this tract next to Scituate is called 
the " share line." Mr Hatherly in 1663 having repurchased 
10 shares, sold 23 shares to John Otis of Scituate, Matthew 
Cushing, John Thaxter, John Jacob, and Edward Wilder of 
Hingham, for £69. This tract of land now makes a part of 
Abington and Hanover. 



"two miles. 



The "Two Miles." 



We have already mentioned that Mr Hatherly had made 
complaint to the Court in 1636 " that the place was too straite 
for them." We now remark that a more pressing application 
was made in 1637, when Mr Hatherly and Mr Lothrop, accom- 
panied by a committee of 1 5 of the principal planters, attended 
the Court and complained that " they had such small portion of 
landes allotted to them, that they could not subsist upon them." 
They obtained the following grant, viz : " all the lands between 
the north and south rivers, provided they make a township there, 
inhabit upon them, compose their differences with Mr William 
Vassall and others before the next court, and establish and sup- 
port a ferry at the North River (which Mr Vassall is willing to 
do) that so the removal from Scituate may be without offence." 
These conditions, however, were not complied with, and the 
removal did not take place. The complaint of a want of room, 
at so early a period, seems singular to us, when now, about one 
half the original territory of Scituate supports a population of be- 
tween three and four thousands. But we are to consider, that 
at that time, a peculiar value was placed upon the marshes, 
where forage was readily prepared for their cattle, and upon 
the lands near the river, the river being their highway. The 
complaints were appeased in 1640 by a grant of the "two 
miles" on the east side of the river. The bounds of this terri- 
tory have been several times surveyed, as we see on record, 
(Scit. Rec. Vol. 2) but as no considerable controversies arose 
respecting them, we forbear to notice them further. The ter- 
ritory extended two miles on the river and one mile back. Its 
bounds might now be easily ascertained, Pembroke line being 
the southerly boundary and the " Ford farm" the northerly. 
A committee, appointed by the Court (Mr Hatherly, Edward 
Foster and Humphrey Turner) laid out the lands. Among the 
early settlers there were Robert Sprout, Thomas Rose, Richard 
Sylvester, and some of the Hatch family. It was naturally pro- 
vided with a good mill stream, and grist mills, saw mills and 
clothing mills were pretty early erected. The people of the 
" two mile" generally belonged to the south parish and attend- 
ed worship there. 

A. D. 1778, the people of this territory petitioned the General 
Court, to be annexed to Marshfield. The Town of Scituate 
being served with an order of notice, met and voted their con- 
sent " on condition that they resign their claim to common 



8 SETTLEMENT AND PROGRESS. 

lands, and pay their proportion of all taxes hitherto assessed." 
This condition was not acceptable, because there were marsh 
lands in common, from which the Town at that time derived a 
considerable revenue, (letting them out yearly at vendue) 
though that income is now very small, owing to the reduced 
value of salt meadows, since the high lands are better cultivated. 
The petition. did not then succeed. Again in 1786, the same 
was repeated on both parts, and the result was the same. 
Finally, in 1788, the annexation to Marshfield was accomplish- 
ed, on the conditions proposed by the Town of Scituate. 



Settlement and Progress. 

We are without data as to the first persons who visited Scitu- 
ate, or the first who took up their residence here. It is certain, 
however, that the Pilgrims of Plymouth explored the shores 
very early after their landing, and took notice of the eligible 
places for settlement. It is certain that William Gillson, Anthony 
Annable, Thomas Bird, Nathaniel Tilden, Edward Foster, 
Henry Rowley, and some others were here before 1628. The 
above named gentlemen and others, were called " men of 
Kent," having come from that County in England. The earliest 
notice of a settlement at Scituate, which has record to verify 
it, bears date 1628. Henry Merritt sells to Nathaniel Tilden 
" all that land which I had of Goodman Byrd, lying within the 
fence at the North end of the third clifFe, unto the land of Na- 
thaniel Tilden." Col. Rec. It is fair to infer from this, that 
settlements were made very early. On the 12th of April 1633, 
the "men of Kent" above named, with others who had joined 
them probably, proceeded to lay out lands, by order of Court. 
The first lots laid out were on the second cliff: which was divid- 
ed between William Gillson, Anthony Annable, Edward Foster 
and Henry Rowley. The third cliff had already been appro- 
priated, though we find no record of the laying out. Again, 
August 2d, 1633, the settlers proceeded to lay out a regular 
village, allowing to no one more than four acres for a house 
lot, in that place, proposing to build a compact street " for 
purpose of mutual defence." This street they called " Kent 
Street :" it led from the bridge as it now lies at the Harbour, 
easterly to the third cliff. The first lot was at the corner 
formed by "Kent Street" and the road which runs parallel 
with Satuit or Stony brook : bounded by the ways North and 
East, by William Gillson's lot South or South-east, and by the 



SETTLKMENT AND PROGRESS. 



common land West. The front line on Kent Street was eight 
rods in length, the side line " extending 80 rods up into the 
woodes " This lot was assigned to Edward Foster. The sec- 
ond lot on Kent street, of the same dimensions, was assigned 
to William Gillson ; the third to Henry Rowley ; the fourth to 
Humphrey Turner ; the fifth to Henry Cohb ; the sixth to An- 
thony Annable. These several gentlemen, we believe, erected 
houses on these lots ; in fact some of them had already done it. 
Humphrey Turner, however, did not reside in this street, but on 
the East of the Colman's hills, and his son Thomas had a house 
on Kent street some years subsequent. Agam, February 20, 
1634, another assignment of house lots was made. Mr Eo- 
throp had arrived with thirty of his Church (by which we are 
to understand not 30 heads of families, but probably oO souls.) 
These were chiefly from Eondon. Many others joined them 
the same winter, some of whom were men of Kent. We pro- 
ceed to mention the location of their house lots, as determined 
in February and April of the same year : or rather Febrimiy 
1634 and April 1635 ; the year then beginning m March. 1 he 
lots before described on Kent Street reached to "Meeting- 
house Lane." We now begin on the South side of that lane, i he 
first was allotted to Geo. Eewis ; the 2d to John Hewes, (the 
Welchman) ; the 3d to Walter Woodworth ; the 4th to Richard 
Foxwell ; the 5th to Isaac Chittenden. These all abutted on 
Kent street, in like manner as those before described. We novv 
come to « Greenfield," so called, we understand, because it had 
been an Indian planting ground, and was not covered with wood ; 
as the cliffs and the glades were not covered with wood. Ihe 
first lot on the greenfield (i. e. the northerly lot) was assigned to 
Samuel Fuller ; the 2d to Barnard Eombard, and the 3d to Good- 
man Hoyt ; these were of the same dimensions as the above, and 
abutting on Kent street. We now come to " Greenfield lane 
running at right angles with the street and parallel with Meet- 
ing-house lane. The first lot was assigned to William Hatch ; 
the 2d to Samuel Hinckley ; the 3d to Nathaniel Tilden. These 
abutted on Kent street, and consisted of 5 acres each. We then 
come to a lane called at that time the " drift way." ihe first 
lot was appropriated to Isaac Stedman ; the 2d to George Ken- 
drick ; the 3d to Daniel Standlake ; the 4tli to John Eewis, and 
the 5th to George Eewis, which seems to be a second lot as- 
signed to him, or perhaps a choice. The above are all the 
house lots on Kent street, of which we find any record. 1 his 
brings us to the East side of the " high hills" afterward called 
Colman's hills. Here Humphrey Turner had a house and iarm 
2 



10 DIVISION OF LANDS. 

(though as yet a Plymouth man) before 1633, and family tra- 
dition says in 1626 : we have no means of determining the num- 
ber of acres. Next to Humphrey Turner's farm was that of 
Mr John Lothrop, the IVIinister, consisting of 20 acres, and 
assigned him, February 20, 1634. Next in order and south- 
westerly, consisting of eight acres, was that of William Hatch ; 
but we believe his house was on the lot assigned him at Green- 
field lane. Next in order was a lot of twelve acres, assigned to 
Isaac Robinson. Here he built his house. And finally, John 
Hanmer's house lot, which brings us round the hills to the 
Herring brook. These lots extended from the hills to the " New 
Harbour Marshes." 

We can form from the above statements a pretty distinct 
image of the village, as it appeared in 1633 and 34. Their 
houses were generally log houses, and covered with thatch 
cut from the sedges of the salt marshes. We now remark that, 
to complete this map of the settlement, we are to conceive of 
Isaac Stedman's house (notwithstanding he had a house lot 
on Kent street) standing twenty rods South-easterly of the 
Stockbridge mill dam, Mr William Vassall's " belle house " on 
the neck (Gushing place), Mr Thomas King's house near it on 
the South-west, and Resolved White's near it on the East. 
Then turning to the harbour, we are to conceive of a few 
" squatters" and principally fishermen. We find in Winthrop's 
History, "February 22, 1633, Ship William, Mr Travere, 
master, arrived at Plymouth with passengers and goods for the 
Bay. This ship came to set up a fishing stage at Scituate, and 
to trade." Then turning to the cliffs, we are to imagine them 
covered with corn, and William Gillson's windmill waving its 
arms upon the third cliff; and our image of the settlement is 
pretty complete, as it existed in the autumn of 1636.* 

In tracing the. progress of the settlement we shall now pur- 
sue the 

Division of Lands. 

Until Oct. 1636, all lands had been laid out by a Gommittee 
of the Gourt's appointing. The Town was then incorporated, 
and the purchasers and freemen were commissioned to dispose 
of the lands. This was done (in open meetings) until 1647. 

* The venerable Timothy Hatherly, although in Scituate in 1634, being 
unmarried, had no house here until 1G37, when he erected one on " farm 
neck" within the Conihassett grant. 



DIVISION OF LANDS. 



11 



A. D. 1647, Dec. 13th, those who were purchasers and free- 
men in 1636, voted to resign their power to the whole inhab- 
itants of the Town. From this time it was found difficuh to 
lay out lands on any plan or principle which would give general 
satisfaction. The principles generally followed were to grant 
lands to the freemen, and to such as had buih or owned a house 
previously to 1647. This state of things continued many years, 
until on the 7th March, 1670, a petition was addressed to the 
Court " craving their counsell and advice and helpe and assist- 
ance herein." This was opposed by other inhabitants, and the 
matter was heard and reheard before the Court, when they de- 
cided (June 16, 1671) that "the resignation of the freemen 
and purchasers was unwarrantable and invalid : but if they would 
lay downe their power it, did return unto the Courte." The 
Court proceeded to appoint a commission of eight persons cho- 
sen from both parties, with instructions to agree on some prin- 
ciples of dividing the Common lands, and present it to the 
Court for their approbation. These Commissioners were Capt. 
James Cudworth, Cornet Robert Stetson, Lieut. Isaac Buck, 
and Isaac Chittenden, on one part ; and John Turner, sen. John 
Turner, jr. John Bryant, sen. and John Damon on the other part. 
They agreed ; that agreement was approved by the Court ; but 
the Town met and refused to ratify the agreement. The Assist- 
ants then drew up proposals, and came in person to present them 
in Town meeting. But these were not accepted. A. D. 1673, 
the Court voted "to leave the Town to their liberties in tlie pre- 
mises." Nov. 24th, 1673, the Town agreed, that a commit- 
tee of eight appointed by the Court, with four appointed by the 
Town, should have the sole management of dividing lands, and 
that what they should agree upon should be binding. The 
Court appointed Capt. James Cudworth, Cornet Robert Stet- 
son, Lieut. Isaac Buck, Michael Peirce, John Bryant, sen. 
John Turner, jun. John Damon and Isaac Chittenden. The 
Town added Charles Stockbridge, Michael Pierce, John Cush- 
ing and Thomas Turner. The principles agreed on by this 
Committee were, I. " That none shall have any interest in the 
undivided lands, that is not an allowed and approved inhabitant 
of the Town of Scituate by acte of this committee." 11. "All 
that had an ancient grant of land from the freemen before the 
surrender." That is, between 1636 and 1647. III. "All 
the successors of such as had owned a house before 1647." 
IV. " The successors of such as had not received land from 
the freemen." By this, we understand, such as were inhabi- 
tants before 1647, who had not asked for a grant, while the 



12 ROADS. 

freemen had the disposal of lands in town meeting. We find a 
list of 131 "allowed and approved inhabitants" by act of this 
committee, which henceforth had the sole management. (See 
List, hereafter.) We have already noticed the division of small 
lots by the Conrt, until 1G36. We now remark that the last 
division made by the Court was in 1G36, of " the greate lottes" 
so called. They consisted of 60 to 80 acres, and were laid 
out principally upon the N. River, from the " bell house necke " 
to the third Herring brook. From 1 636 to 1647, no lands were 
laid out but by special act of the freemen. In 1647, the whole 
Town raised a committee and made divisions. In 1673, he 
joint committee of the Court and the Town, made large divi- 
sions of planting lands, and also of all the swamps, obliging each 
receiver to clear his part in a given time, or forfeit his grant. 
This was for the purpose of breaking up the haunts of wolves. 
In 1699 another considerable division was made. And in 1706 
all the cedar swamps were divided by vote of the Town into 8 
acre lots. Scit. Rec. Vol. 2. 



Roads. 

We find no order of Court, and no record of any Jury to 
lay out the earliest roads. We conclude therefore that Kent 
street, and the road that runs parallel with Satuit or Stoney 
brook, and the road from the third cliff, running Westerly at 
the foot of Colman's hills, as also Meeting-house lane, Green- 
field lane, and the drift way, were established by mutual consent 
of the proprietors, when they laid out their village in house lots. 
Mr WiUiam Vassall was foreman of the first Jury for laying 
out roads. We have found no date of his appointment : but 
we can state for a certainty that it was as early as 1646. We 
find a record of the road laid out by that Jury, from Stock- 
bridge's Mill-dam, to "belle-house necke" and turning to the 
South-west, as the cartway now leads. It is described as 
beginning at Isaac Stedman's house, and Isaac Stedman, we 
know, had sold his house to George Russell, and removed to 
Boston in 1646. In 1653, Cornet Robert Stetson was foreman 
of a Jury for laying out roads : and we find on record several 
ways laid out, viz. the road from the third Herring brook near 
Hanover Corners to Scituate Harbour ; also the road from the 
" old mill " (so called at that time, and by which we understand 
Isaac Stedman's saw mill, at tne place since called Stockbridge's 
mill) Northwesterly over Brushy hill towards Cohasset ; also a 



ROADS. ^"^ 



way from Isaac Buck's (near late Anthony Waterman's) West- 
ward to the way last mentioned : also a road from Stedman s 
Trlrer GeorgUussell's mill, or "the old mill," to George 
Moore's bridge, and onward to the common lands : also a way 
from the road " a little above the second Herrmg brook (now 
David Torrey's) down to the North River : and finally a way 
from the North River Bridge (then Barstow's br.c ge) to Hmghan. 
bounds. This was the Country road. In ^1656, vve find the 
Mowing entry in the Colony records, "Wilham Barstow of 
Scituate^ovenanted to make a good and su&cient bndge or 
horse and foot over the North River, a little above the third 
Herring brooke, at a place called 'stoney reache and to lay 
out and cleare the way towards the bay as far as Hugh s cross 
brooke — to receive 12£ in current country pay. Previously, 
the crossing of the River had been at a ford ^ nnle above^ 
probably n?ar where Curtis's Iron works now are. I was theie 
tliat Gov. Winthrop was carried over upon a ^an s back on 
his visit to Plymouth in 1632, (see land marks) A. D. Ibob 
the Colony Court deputed Mr Hatherly and Capt. Cudwoith, 
with a third man to be chosen by these two "to lay out a foote 
way from the upper Meeting-house at the North River m 
Scituate, up the s' River to the house of Robert Stetson. How 
it was rendered necessary to take such important steps to lay 
out a foot path, we have not discovered : probably some pro- 
prietors of lands had objected to persons crossing their fields : 
and we know that Cornet Stetson was a valuable man m the 
town, and must be accommodated ; and beside, several families 
in his neighbourhood could shorten the distance to meeting, 
and to the chief settlement in the Town, by a foot path nearer 
to the River than the road was laid out. Tlie t^vo gentlemen 
appointed by the Court, chose James Torrey, sen. as a third 
man. The path was laid out from the Westerly end of the 
Meeting-house to Cornet Stetson's, as follows— (we omit the 
ancient names that we may be understood) viz. crossmg he 
brook that falls into Stoney Cove, about fiity rods below the 
presem road, to Thomas Oldham's house, which stood between 
{he road and King's landing — thence in a pretty direct hue to 
the place afterwards called the Block-house -theiice to the 
second Herring brook, crossing it "where the old bridge did 
lye," that is, as we understand, near the mouth of the second 
Herring; brook — and thence to Wanton's ship yard — tnen 
turning "over William Randall's cart bridge in William Curtis s 
land" and passing over Uwelley's creek, where we beheve 
there has been a foot bridge ever since — and thence ovei 



14 ROADS. 

Gowen White's farm (now Ruggles') and Humphrey Johnson's 
(contiguous on the S. E.) to Robert Stetson's, now the resi- 
dence of Stephen and Charles Stetson. 

January 16, 1694-5, we find the Selectmen proceeding to lay 
out roads, according to a " law of the Province." And they 
begin by renewing "several highways formerly laid out, but 
not found on the Town records." They renewed and estab- 
lished all the highways which we have described above, as 
having been used from 1633. They also established, by a 
new survey, the town landing at the mouth of the second 
Herring brook — viz. "4 rods upon the river and 8 rods up 
from the water side," and also the highway from thence " to 
the road that goeth up to John Palmer's." They also renewed 
the highway from the West end of "the new saw mill dam" 
(then Bryant's mill) Westward to Hooppole hill, and onward 
to Snappet. (Scit. Rec. Vol. 2. p. 11.) Again in 1703-4 
nearly all the roads that are now used, in addition to those 
above described, were laid out : we can except one only, viz. 
the road from Mount Blue to Hingham, which was not made a 
public road until a period more than a half century later. We 
will now notice a few variations in our principal roads, from 
their first location. We can name no important variations in 
the road that leads from Hanover Corners to the Harbour, 
save one near the South Meeting-house, where it formerly 
passed in nearly a direct line from Job Randall's (now^ David 
Torrey's) to the Parsonage house, crossing the second Herring 
brook, about fifty rods below the mill. This was altered in 
1704 to accommodate the South Meeting-house when built 
where it now stands : and one other variation, viz. from the 
place where the first Meeting-house of the South Parish stood, 
the road went nearly parallel with the present road, but a few 
rods farther East, passing Easterly of Deacon James Torrey's 
house, which stood near Hobart's landing gate, in the Neal 
field, so called. A variation also has taken place near Hicks's 
swamp recently, (1829), passing across a corner of the Clap 
farm, instead of making an angle by the hills. The road from 
Bryant's bridge on the second Herring brook, to Spring brook 
(near late James Torrey's) passed on the North side of Meeting- 
house hill, until 1704. 

The Conihassett Partners kept no record of their highways 
until 1694. They renewed and established all the principal 
roads about that time, viz. the main street at the Harbour, from 
Buck's corner to Bound brook, where it lay within their terri- 
tory, from the bridge at the old Parsonage, to Farm neck and 



BRIDGES AND FERRIES. 15 

Hooppole neck, he. They surrendered their highways to the 
Town 1715. The highway over Mount Blue to Hingham 
was laid out 1801. 



Bridges and Ferries. 

The first bridge of which we have any notice, was a foot 
bridge over the creek at the Harbour, before 1633. The next 
was Mr Vassall's over Rotten marsh creek, before 1 636 : and 
shortly after Isaac Stedman's at the mill. Near the mouth of 
the second Herring brook, was a bridge called the old bridge 
in 1658. Bryant's bridge, on the second Herring brook above 
the mill, was not a cart bridge, we beheve, until 1704. In 1656 
Barstow's bridge over the North River, on Plymouth road, was 
erected.* In 1660, John Palmer covenanted with John Bryant 
and Humphrey Johnson, town agents, to build a log way and 
bridge, and cover it with gravel "from firm upland to firm 
upland," over the third Herring brook, where the bridge now 
hes, near Hanover Corners. George Moore's bridge is men- 
tioned in 1653. In 1670, the Town (having obtained permis- 
sion of Charles Stockbridge) voted "that the common roade 
shall pass over his mill dam." In 1682, the Colony Court 
ordered a cart bridge to be built over the North River at 
Barstow's bridge, at the expense of three Towns ; Scituale to 
pay £10, Duxbury £5, and Marshfield £5. In 1829, the Road 
Commissioners for the County, agreed to assess the County 
for one quarter of the expense of a Stone Bridge at this place. 
The bridge is now completed. The bridge at Bound brook 
was erected before 1656, probably by the Conihassett partners : 
and the bridge over Satuit brook, near the old Parsonage, was 
there in 1648. These we beheve are all the bridges of any 
importance, named in our records before 1700. 

In 1785, a subscription was raised to build a bridge across 
the North River, near John Stetson's, (the ancient Wanton 
place). The Town chose a Committee to consult with the 
subscribers, and to learn what kind of bridge was proposed, 
and how to be kept in repair. The Tow^n then voted their 
consent, on condition that a sufficient draw be kept. The 
project then failed. It was revived again in 1827 ; but is not 
yet accomplished. 

* William Carstow received £12 of the Colony for erecting the bridge, 
and from 1G62 to 1C82, £20 for keeping it in repair. 



16 MILLS. 

In 1799, it was proposed by the Town, to build and maintain 
a bridge across North River at Oakraan's ferry, jointly with 
Marshfield. A subscription of ^'370 was raised by way of 
encouraging the enterprise : but it was defeated by the refusal 
of Marshfield to accomplish its part. Subsequently, however, 
A. D. 1801, u Corporation erected Union Bridge with the 
privilege of taking toll. The income, we understand, has kept 
the bridge in repair, and paid an annual dividend of seven per 
cent. Little's Bridge, a toh bridge erected in 1825, crosses 
the North River three miles below Union Bridge, at a place 
called Doggett's ferry. 

In 1G37, two hundred acres of land were granted to Mr 
WiUiam Vassall, "on condition that he keepe a ferry against his 
farme — toll Id for a man and 4d for a beast." This was 
called Doggett's in later times, as noticed above. 

In 1638, the Court ordered a ferry to be kept near the mouth 
of the river, below " New Harbour Marshes." This is now 
called White's ferry. Jonathan Brewster of Duxbury was the 
first ferryman. In 1641 he sold the ferry privilege to Messrs. 
Barker and Howell for £60. In 1645 it was kept by Ralph 
Chapman, who petitioned the Court to excuse him, "as it 
would bring him to extreme poverty." The Court excused 
him, "except on special occasions, as bringing over the 
magistrates who dwell there." Since that time we believe the 
ferrying there has been a private concern, without any rates of 
toll established by law. 

The " upper ferry " (now Union bridge) was first kept by 
EHsha Bisbe 1645: it was afterwards kept by Oakman : and 
the last ferryman before the bridge was built, was John Tolman. 



Mills. 

The first mill in the Town, was a wind mill, on the third clifl'. 
It was erected by William Gillson in 1636, on the North-east 
part of the cliff. After his decease in 1639, it became tlie 
property of John Daman, his nephew. 

The next was a saw mill, erected by Isaac Stedman, where 
the well known Stockbridge mills have since stood. We are 
without data as to the year when it was erected : but we find it 
mentioned in 1640 — and in 1653 it is called "the old mill." 
(Scit. Rec. Vol. 2. p. 3.) It became the property of George 
Russell 1646. This was probably the first saw mill in the 
Colony. 



MILLS- 



17 



In 1653, James Torrey erected a " clothing mill " on the 
same brook as above, a half mile or more higher up. A 
century afterward Capt. John Clap had a grist mill and fullmg 
mill in the same plaice : these had been Samuel Clap's (his 

father) in 1690. ^^ o i , ^ T i 

In 1656, Cornet Robert Stetson, Mr Hatherly and Joseph 
Tilden erected a saw mill on the third Herring brook. Re- 
mains of the dam may now be seen, at the Bridge, near the house 
of the late Major Winslow. For this mill a very extensive 
tract was flowed, now called "the old Pond." We find the 
following act of the Town in 1 673. " Whereas it is apprehended 
that the saw mill upon the 3d herring brooke will not stand 
longe, and when it is downe, the mill pond will be the occation 
of miring of many Cattell, for the pfeventing of which, and that 
improvement may be made therof for meadow, it is agreed and 
concluded that when the saw mill is down, and seases to be a 
mill there, that then the mill pond shall be divided unto the now 
proprietors of the Towne, or their successors, and by them to 
whom division is made, to be well and sufficiently fenced.' 
In 1676 this mill was burnt by the Indians ; and soon after the 
pond was divided according to the above act. 

In 1650, John Stockbridge erected a water grist mill on the 
first Herring brook. It became the property of his son Charles 
at his decease in 1657 : and ever since has been in the posses- 
sion of the family. In 1673, the Town's committee of lands 
offered a premium of " 30 acres of land to any person who, 
within 6 months, should erect a grist mill on the 3d Herring 
brook, and engage to tend tlie mill for fourteen years."^ Charles 
Stockbridge accepted the proposals : but changing his mind in 
part, he agreed with the committee to accept of ten acres, on 
condition that he be allowed to erect his mill "on the Cornet's 
old dam :" but changing his mind again, he erected his mills 
in 1674 a half mile below, and received his thirty acres. Tins 
mill afterward became the property, in part, of Capt. Jonah 
Stetson: hence its present name "Jonah's Mill." 

The family of Bryant built a saw mill on the second Herring 
brook, on or before the year of 1690; and soon after a grist 
mill. In 1688, Benjamin Curtis built a saw mill on the third 
Herring brook, above "the Cornet's old pond;" and afterward 
a grist mill : they were afterward the property in part, of Con- 
stant Clap and the Curtis family. 

The family of Jacob, erected mills at Assmippi, vulgarly 
called Snappet, about 1730. They are now the property of 
the same family. 

3 



18 MILLS. 

There was a wind mill on the South Meeting-house hill in 
1720 : and subsequently another, but it has not been used, save 
for a horse shed for many years: it was taken down 1830. 

In 1702, the Town voted "to grant one acre of land to any 
man or men that shall see cause to sett up a good and sufficient 
windmill to grinde corne withall." (Scit. Rec. Vol. 3. p. 275). 
The mill was proposed for the North part of the town ; but 
whether it was built we have not ascertained. 

In 1746, the Town granted to John Stetson, his heirs and 
assigns, liberty to " flow any part of the landing place, near 
Mr Ensign Otis's dwelling house, so long as he or they shall 
keep up the grist mill which he is about to build near the 
harbour." 

In 1787, the Town granted leave to Amasa Bailey to erect 
a mill at the Gulph. In 1791, the Town granted leave to 
Elijah Turner to flow a part of the road, near John Hatch's, 
(South-east of White-oak plain), for the purpose of erecting a 
grist mill. It was afterward built on Marget's brook, or Slab 
brook. 

In 1792, the Town granted liberty of erecting a grist mill 
at the mouth of the Gulph, to Elisha Doane of Cohasset. 

In 1802, Jesse Dunbar, Esq. petitioned the Legislature for 
Uberty to erect a dam across mill creek and main creek at the 
harbour, for the purpose of erecting a tide mill. The Town 
consented, on condition that a sluice or draw should be main- 
tained for the passage of vessels. This mill has proved a great 
public benefit in seasons of drought. 

We wiU now state the whole number of mills in 1829. On 
Bound brook two grist mills and a carding mill : not to take 
into the account the large mill at the mouth of the gulph, which 
is owned in Cohasset. A tide mill at the Harbour. On the 
first Herring brook, a grist mill and a nail mill. On the second 
Herring brook, two grist mills, a saw mill and a shingle mill : 
and a saw miU on the East branch of the brook, erected 1831, 
by S. A. Turner, Esq. On the third Herring brook, are three 
grist mills, three saw mills, and a shingle mill, (erected 1826.) 
On Groundsell brook two saw mills owned by the family of 
Stockbridge. On Marget's or Slab brook one grist mill. 

Within the territory which is now Hanover, the "Drinkwater 
Iron works" were erected by Mighill in 1710. This is a place 
on the stream which forms the southern border of the Town. 

On the Indian head river Mr Bardin, an enterprising Scots- 
man, erected Iron works (now Curtis's Iron works) about 1730. 
A grist mill was early erected on Hugh's cross brook. 



THE NORTH RIVER. 1^ 



North River. 



This stream received its name before 1633, and probably 
from the circumstance that its general course is from south to 
north, or that it was farther north from Plymouth than South 
River in Marshfield, which meets the North River at its mouth. 
The North River is a very winding stream, flowing through 
extensive marshes, sometimes, as it were, sporting in the broad 
meadows in the most fanciful meanders, and sometimes shooting 
away to the highlands which border the meadows. There is 
one reach which has long been called the "no gains' from the 
circumstance, that, after flowing from side to side, and almost 
turning backward for several times, it has in fact flowed several 
miles, and gained but a few rods in its direct progress to the 
sea. From the sea to the North River bridge on the Plymouth 
road, an air line would not exceed seven miles : while the line 
of the River amounts to eighteen miles. 

The tide rises at the North River bridge from three to hve 
feet : and there is a i>erceptible tide two miles higher up. It 
has three chief sources, the Namatakeese and Indian head, 
which flow from the Matakeeset Ponds in Pembroke, and the 
Drinkwater, which has its sources chiefly in Abmgton. The 
tributaries are the three Herring brooks on the Scituate side, 
and the Two Mile brook and the Rogers brook on the Marsh- 
field side. ' Wherever the River in its windings, touches the 
highlands, there is a ship-yard, a landing or a fishing station. 
To name them in order, we observe, that just by the bridge on 
the Plymouth road, is a ship-yard, which has been improved as 
such since 1699, Daniel Turner having been the first budder 
there that has come to our knowledge. A few rods below, on 
the Scituate side (now Hanover) is a ship-yard, first improved 
by the Barstows in 1690. Just below the third Herring brook, 
and scarce a mile below the bridge, on the Scituate side, is a 
ship-yard, first improved by the Palmers and Churches, as early 
as 1690 : now by Messrs. Copeland and Ford. Nearly opposite 
on the Pembroke side, at "the brickilns" so called, is a ship- 
yard, which has long been used by the Turners and Bnggses. 
Nearly a mile below this on the Pembroke side is "Job s land- 
ing," so called from Job Randall jr., who we beheve resided 
near the place. A little below on the Scituate side are " Cornet s 
rocks" in front of the ancient residence of Cornet Robert 
Stetson. A half mile below on the Marshfield side is " gravelly 



20 NORTH RIVER. 

beach," a principal station for the herring fishery : and we 
believe vessels have formerly been built here. A little below, 
and at an air-line distance of two miles nearly from Noith River 
bridge above named, is the ancient Wanton ship-yard, used by 
that family in 1660, and subsequently by the Stetsons, Delanos 
and Fosters. Here the largest ships have been built, and more 
in number probably than at any other station on the River. A 
half mile (or something less) below on the Scituate side, is the 
ancient ship-yard of Job Randall, used by him about 1690; 
and subsequently by the Prouteys, the Chittendens and Torreys ; 
and now by Messrs. Souther and Cudworth. A half mile 
lower on the Scituate side, is " the block house " where was a 
fort and a garrison in Philip's war. Here is a wharf and a 
ship-yard, which has been improved by the Jameses and Tildens 
for a century. Just above are " sunken rocks," on which vessels 
sometimes touch and are impeded. Just below, and at an air- 
line distance of a little more than three miles from North River 
bridge, is Union bridge. A half mile lower on the Scituate 
side, is King's landing. And about another half mile, on the 
same side, is Hobarfs landing. Here we believe the first 
vessels were built, by Samuel House, as early as 1650 ; and 
soon after by Thomas Nichols : then by Israel Hobart in 1677 : 
by Jeremiah and Walter Hatch soon after. The family of 
Briggs also have built vessels here for near a century, and it is 
still improved by the latter family, Messrs. Gushing and Henry 
Briggs. Here the Ship Columbia, (Capt. Kendrick), was 
built by James Briggs, A. D. 1773. It was the first ship that 
visited the North West coast from this country. Capt. Kendrick 
explored the River Orregon, and named it from the name of 
his ship, which name will probably prevail henceforth. At the 
distance of another half mile below, is Little's bridge : at which 
point, we believe vessels have been built on the Marshfield side. 
The meadows above this station are of very various width, in 
few places exceeding a mile : but below, there is a wide expanse 
of marsh, anciently called the " New Harbour marshes." The 
scenery here is on a sublime scale, when viewed from Col- 
man's hills, or from the fourth cliff. The broad marshes are 
surrounded by a distant theatre of hills, and the River expands 
and embraces many islands in its bosom. Here it approaches 
the sea, as if to burst through the beach, but turns almost at 
right angles to the East, and runs parallel with the sea shore, 
for nearly three miles before it finds its out-let, leaving a beach 
next the sea of twenty rods width, composed chiefly of round 
and polished pebbles, excepting only the fourth cliff, a half 



BROOKS. 21 

mile in length, which comprises many acres of excellent arable 
land. Nearly a mile above the river's mouth, is White's ferry, 
(see ferries), where is a wharf and a small village on the Marsh- 
field side. Here vessels have been built, and many that have 
been built above, here receive their rigging. The river's width 
may be estimated as follows in ordinary tides : at Union bridge 
seven rods — at King's landing eight rods — at Little's bridge 
nine rods : it expands below to a half mile in width, where it is 
now called fourth cliff bay, and formerly "New harbour:" here 
the channel divides, and unites again a mile below : a half mile 
above its mouth it is fourteen rods in width. The channel at 
the mouth often shifts its place, owing to the nature of the 
sandy bottom, and to the violence of the stream and the tides. 
It seldom affords more than nine feet of water, even when there 
is but one channel : but it often happens that there are two 
channels when the water is something less. This fact accounts 
for the difficulty and expense of carrying out the vessels built 
upon this river : and yet only in part, for there are shoals above, 
over which vessels of 200 tons and upwards must be Hfted with 
gondolas or heaved with kedges. The principal are Will's 
shoal at the upper part of the New harbour marshes, and the 
Horse shoe shoal. 

Formerly, it is said, salmon were taken in this river. Bass 
have been abundant until within a few years : they are taken 
chiefly in winter. Shad and alewives are still taken, but they 
are gradually diminishing. 



Brooks. 

Between Scituate and Hingham is a chain of hills, from 
which the brooks that rise, flow both easterly and westerly. 

Bound brook, received its name, from being in part, a 
northern boundary of the Plymouth patent. Its principal 
tributaries are Merritt's brook and Groundsel brook in Scituate, 
and Hezekiah Tower's brook or pond in Cohasset. It falls 
into the Gulph between Scituate and Cohasset. 

Musquashcut brook, rises in the great Musquashcut pond, in 
the Conihassett territory of Scituate, and unites with Bound 
brook, in the Gulph. 

The first Herring brook has its rise in George Moore's pond 
or swamp, and Brushy hill swamp, and falls into North River at 
New harbour marshes. Its whole length is scarcely three 
miles. The second Herring brook rises in Ridge hill swamp, 



22 HARBOURS. 

Dead swamp and Black pond, and falls into the North River 
at a point about equally distant from the first and third Herring 
brooks. The third Herring brook falls into the North River 
about two and a half miles above. This is the line between 
Scituate and Hanover. It rises in Valley swamp, on the bounds 
of Hingham, where is a spring of extraordinary copiousness. 
It receives several tributaries, viz. " Assinippi or Rocky water," 
and Hugh's cross brook, from Hanover, and Marget's from 
Scituate. Its whole length may be five miles. 

Satuit brook, or Stony brook from which the town received 
its name, is a small stream scarcely a mile in length, and falls 
into the harbour. These brooks are not sufficiently copious to 
afford an unfailing supply of water for the mills. The third 
Herring brook is the most abundant, and the second is the least 
so : but they all have failed in times of extraordinary drought. 
It was an object of the early planters, to seek the vicinity of 
these brooks, in locating their farms. 



Harbour. 

Scituate extends about eight miles on the sea shore, including 
the beach on the east, and the glades on the west. Nearly in 
the centre of this line, is the Harbour. It is small and difficult 
of access, on account of a bar at its mouth. It affords about 
ten feet w^ater at the bar, in ordinary full tides, but at low tides 
cannot be passed with vessels of any considerable burden. 
Here are two wharves and a considerable village. The two 
points which form the harbour, are Crow point on the south- 
east, and Cedar point on the north-west. On this latter, is a 
Light-house, erected in 1811, showing two steady lights, 
white above and red below. " The four cliffs so well known 
to mariners, are all on the south of the Harbour, showing 
sandy fronts." 

The harbour was within the Conihassett grant : but the tow^n 
of Scituate enjoyed the privilege of landing : and two landings 
there, are still the Town's property. For an account of the 
early settlement here, see Conihassett Grant. 



New Harbour. 

The North River had obtained the name of New Harbour 
before 1636. Vessels undoubtedly early wintered in fourth 



FISHERIES. 23 

cliff bay, and found good moorings at " Pincin's bank." We 
are unable to give much account of the foreign trade from the 
North River. "In 1681, the Bark Adventure of 40 tons, 
sailed from the North River for the West Indies. She was 
owned by Scituate and Marshfield people. (Hist. Soc. Col. 
Vol. 4. 2d series.) 

The fact that the River would form an excellent harbour, 
were it not for the shifting bar at its mouth, has given rise to 
various proposals for a remedy. It has often been in serious 
agitation, to cut a ship channel between the third and fourth 
cliffs : but the nature of the ground renders it probable that the 
same obstructions would there be met. At this present time, 
there is a petition before Congress, for a grant to improve the 
navigation by a canal from the River to the Old Harbour. It 
is estimated that ^15,000 might cover the whole expense. 
Congress ordered the survey, and it was completed in July 
1829. We are waiting the result with considerable interest, 
because it is confidently calculated by many, that it would 
improve the water both of the river and the harbour, and avoid 
every shoal that now impedes the navigation. The tides of 
extraordinary height flow through this proposed route, as has 
haj^pened in October 1829, and several times before. Stetson's 
tide mill at the harbour was swept through this route, and 
carried to Marshfield shore in the great snow storm Nov. 1786. 



Briggs's Harbour 

Received its name from Walter Briggs, an early settler in 
that vicinity: and was so called as early as 1650; and 
sometimes also called Strawberry cove. It is a small cove 
formed by the extreme north-east point of Scituate, called the 
glades. We believe that vessels of small burthen were anciently 
built there, and fishing and coasting craft used to winter there. 
The Indian name of this little harbour was MishquashtiLck, 
sometimes written in our Records Musquashcut. 



Fisheries. 

We first notice the fisheries of the streams. It is reasonable 
to conjecture that the first alewivcs were taken in the first 
Herring brook, as some of the earliest settlements were near 
that stream. These fish ascended this brook to George Moore's 



24 MACKEREL FISHERY. 

pond, and as the stream was narrow, they were easily taken in 
nets. They continued to ascend this brook until the mills 
prevented them in late years, by not being provided with suita- 
ble sluices. Recently, an attempt has been made to restore 
them, but without much success. 

Mr Hatherly had "a herring wear" on Musquashcut brook 
near his house in 1640. We believe that a few of these fish 
find their way through the gulph to the Musquashcut pond, at 
the present day. 

On Bound brook was formerly an abundant alewive fishery. 
As late as 1794 an Act of General Court was procured by 
Scituate and Cohassett, for renewing the fishery, by provid- 
ing sluices at the mills, regulating the time and manner of 
taking them and removing the obstructions to their ascending to 
Hezekiah Tower's pond, to which "they formerly ascended 
abundantly, to the great advantage of said Towns." We believe 
the act was repealed in 1800, and the fishery is extinct. In 
the second Herring brook these fish used to ascend to Black 
pond : but they have long since been repelled by the mill 
dams. Smelts continue to visit this brook. They are taken 
in the latter end of March. In the third Herring brook, these 
fish used to ascend to Valley swamp. But here they have 
been destroyed in like manner as above. 

The shad and alewive fishery in the North River has long 
been a subject of controversy between Scituate and Pembroke, 
and is so at present. In their ascending to the Matakeeset 
Ponds, they used to be taken in great abundance. Since an 
Act of Court in 1761, permitting seines to be drawn in the 
North River, it is alleged that they have been fast diminishing. 
Whether this, or the mills at Pembroke, or some unknown 
cause has produced this effect, we know not, but certain it is 
that these fisheries were reduced to comparatively little value 
in 1825 : but since that time the fish have increased. 

In 1639, tlie Colony Court granted "liberty to Mr William 
Vassall to make an oyster bank in the North River sixty rods in 
length, near his farm there called the 'West New-land,' and ap- 
propriate it to his own use, &;c." (Col. Rec.) This was near 
Little's bridge. We believe the project did not prove successful. 



Mackerel Fishery. 

We have shown before, that the ship William set up a fishing 
station at Scituate in 1633, This was doubtless the cod fishery : 



MACKEREL FISHERY. 25 

and mackerel were taken at that time, chiefly for bait. They 
were taken with the seine; and it is stated in Historical Col- 
lections, Vol. 4. p, 127. 1st series, that the settlers at Hull first 
taught the Plymouth Colonists, to take them at Cape Cod by 
moon light. 

We find the fiDllowing Court order, June, 1670 : "Whereas 
we have formerly seen great inconvenience of taking mackerel 
at unseasonable times, whereby their increase is greatly dimin- 
ished, and that it hath been proposed to the Court of the Mass. 
that some course might be taken for preventing the same, and 
that they have lately drawn up an order about the same, this 
Court doth enact, that henceforth no mackerel shall be caught, 
except for spending while fresh, before the first of July annu- 
ally, on penalty of the loss of the same, the one half to the 
informer, and the other to the Colony." 

In 1G80, Cornet Robert Stetson, of Scituate, and Nathaniel 
Thomas of Marshfield hired the Cape fishery for bass and mack- 
erel. In 1684, the Court enacted a law " prohibiting the seining 
of mackerel in any part of the Colony ;" and the same year 
leased the Cape fishery for bass and mackerel to Mr William 
Clark for seven years, at. £30 per annum. 

Subsequently to 1700, it is certain that the mackerel were 
very abundant in the Massachusetts Bay. It was not uncommon 
for a vessel to take a thousand barrels in the season. The 
packing, as it is called, was chiefly done at Boston and Plym- 
outh until late years. The vessels of Scituate now pack at our 
harbour. George Morton, who came from Plymouth in 1730, 
w^as the first cooper of whom we have heard, at Scituate har- 
bour. Our vessels now find them less abundant, and farther 
from their former haunts. They used to set into the bay early 
in May, and again in autumn : but now they are found at 
Block Island channel in May — at George's Bank and Nan- 
tucket shoals in the summer, and at ]\Iount Desert and along 
the shores of Maine in the autumn. Those first taken are lean, 
and favour the commonly received opinion, that they lie in the 
muddy bottom, in the winter : but towards the winter they 
are found well fed, fat and delicious. The full grown mack- 
erel vary in weight from one to two and three pounds. The 
fattest, taken in the autumn, are not generally of the largest 
size. 

In 1770 upward of thirty vessels were fitted out of Scituate, 
in this employment. W^e believe there are now about thirty- 
five annually fitted out, of various tonnage, from 50 to 150 tons : 
and carrying from six to fifteen hands. The number of barrels 
4 



26 NAVIGATION. 

taken by our vessels in 1828 was something more than 15,000. 
A writer in the Historical Society's Collections gives the follow- 
ing description of these fish, and of these fisheries, Vol. 4. 2 
series, p. 232. "The aboriginal name of this fish is Wawun- 
nekeseag, a plural term signifying fatness — a very descriptive 
and appropriate name. The mode of taking these fish is, 
while the vessel is under quick way and the helm secured, 
when all are engaged at the long veered lines, of which it is 
said, that one man will attend three, and it may be more.* 

They are a capricious and sportive fish. In cloudy and 
even wet weather, they take the hook with most avidity. They 
are very partial to the colour of red ; hence a rag of that hue 
is sometimes a bait. A small strip of their own flesh taken 
from near the tail, is used with most success. 

In early times, the shores of our bays were skirted with 
forest trees, quite to the water's edge. In the month of June, 
when all nature is in bloom, the volatile farina of the forest 
trees then floats in the air, and occasionally settles on the 
smooth surface of the seas. Then it is, that this playful fish, 
attracted by this phenomenon, leaps and bounds above the 
surface of the water. So again, at a later season, in July and 
August, winged insects, carried away by the south-west winds, 
settle and rest on the bosom of the ocean, a welcome herald, it 
is said, to the mackerel catcher. Such are the habits of many 
fishes : and hence the use of the fly as a bait, by the angler of 
the trout streams." 



Navigation. 

The first account which we have gathered of enterprise in 
Navigation, was in 1633, when the ship William, Capt. Trevere, 
traded to Hudson's River, probably exchanging goods for furs. 
In 1646, there appear to have been several vessels at the 
Harbour, which carried on a coasting trade with the Natives, 

* The first manner of taking Mackerel, was by seining by moon light. 
This perhaps was first practised by Mr Isaac Allerton and his fishing com- 
pany at Hull, as early as 1C2G. After a lialf century the mode of fishing was 
changed to that oC draillng^, with long lines, while the vessel was under easy 
way : and this mode has been changed, within these last twenty years. The 
mode of fishing generally practised now, is to invite the fish around the 
vessel, while lying to, by throwing out great quantities of fish cut in small 
pieces, and to take them with short lines, held iu the hand, and drawn in 
with a single motion of the arm. By this method, it is thought that thrice as 
many fish may be taken, in a given time, as by any former method. 



SHIP BUILDING. 27 

and to Europe and Jamaica. Mr Hatherly, Isaac Chittenden, 
Thomas Ensign, John Woodfield, Edward Jenkins, and a great 
part of the substantial settlers had some interest in this trade. 
In the River, Capt. Collamore and the Wantons carried on a 
considerable trade before 1670. But we are not able to make 
any very accurate statement of the number of vessels engaged 
in fishing, coasting, and foreign trade in those early times. 

We will briefly subjoin a statement of the business at this 
time. From the Harbour thirty-five vessels are fitted out for 
the mackerel fishery: some of them being of 100 tons burthen 
and upwards, and employed also in winter in the southern 
coasting, carrying lumber, fish, he. and bringing grain and flour. 
Two regular packets from the Harbour carry on an almost 
daily intercourse with Boston. From the river, four regular 
coasters sail, principally to Boston, but making an occasional 
voyage to Maine. The persons who have the greatest interest 
in Navigation at present, are Messrs. Dunbar at the Harbour ; 
Messrs. Jenkins and Mr John Beal : almost all the substantial 
citizens have some interest in the trade. 



Ship Building. 

The first ship-builder at the Harbour, who conducted the 
business with spirit, was Will James. He commenced about 
1646. He dug a dock, into which his vessels were launched, 
which even now, bears his name. It was at the North town 
landing, and in front of the present dwelling of Jesse Dunbar, 
Esq. After him. Job Otis (though we are not sure that he 
was a shipAvi-ight) conducted the business of building and navi- 
gation on the same spot, and continued it since 1700. Few 
vessels have been built there for the last fifty years. We 
believe that vessels had been built first on the River, and at a 
place afterward called Hobart's landing, by Samuel House, (see 
North River). And we have already named the principal 
ship-yards and shipwrights, in describing the River. 

Many of the whale ships which have been employed for the 
last half century or more, by the people of New Bedford and 
Nantucket, have been built here. They generally rate from 
300 to 350 tons. The largest, that we have known, was a 
merchantman, built by Mr William Delano, A. D. 1812, of 
near 500 tons. An average of the amount in twenty years 
may be nearly as follows : twelve vessels built per annum, 



28 AGRICULTUiiE. 

rating from 70 to 350 tons : the average cost of carrying them 
out of the River, may be estimated at ^1 per ton. 

The timber is gradually diminishing in the vicinity, and yet 
has not become so scarce, but that ship building might still be 
a flourishing business, were the obstructions of the river removed. 
We are told, from good authority, that near a century ago, it 
was a general remark, that the building materials were so far 
exhausted, that the business must soon fail. The late aged and 
respectable Mr Elisha Foster used to say, that about 1760, 
his friends earnestly dissuaded him from his design to become 
a shipwright, for the reasons above. But never, we believe, 
was the business conducted more successfully, than by him, 
until 1800 and later; and by his sons since. 

The North River was celebrated for its ship-building in the 
early annals of the Colonies, and has held its ascendency until 
late years. It has been famous for the education of shipwrights, 
who have emigrated, and established their business along the 
whole coast, from New York to the farthest boundary of Maine. 
Scarce a ship-yard, or Navy-yard can be visited in this whole 
range of coast, without meeting many workmen, who themselves, 
or their fathers, were educated at the North River. 

The families, at present most actively engaged in the busi- 
ness, are Barstows, Ford, Copeland, Fosters, Souther, Cud- 
worth, Torreys, James, Tildens, Briggses, Turners, Delano, 
Clap : the ancestors of whom, for many generations, have been 
employed in the same business. 



AORICULTURE. 

The cultivation of the soil was not an object of prime atten- 
tion with many of the early settlers : being situated about the 
harbour and along the banks of the river, their first enterprises 
were those of navigation and the fisheries. The lands were 
cleared very slowly. Those lands upon the cliffs which had 
been improved, we believe, as Indian planting land, and the salt 
marshes, which were covered with a natural crop of grass, and 
the mellow intervales near the river, had all been laid out as 
early as 1636. The remaining part of the territory, it was 
thought, offered little encouragement to the planter. Hence it 
was, that in A. D. 1637, the settlers began to complain of "the 
straitenesse of their boundes," and the "want of lands proper 
for cultivation." The same circumstances, referred to above, 
have hardly ceased to exercise an unfavourable influence on 



MANUFACTURES 



29 



ao-riculture. The soil in general is of a good quality, but rug- 
eed and stoney : a more ready subsistence can be gained from 
the seas, and the salt marshes produce an abundance of torage, 
though of indifferent quality. We can however state a favour- 
able fact, viz. that salt meadow has fallen m value more 
than fifty per cent, within the last twenty years, owmg prmci- 
pally to the better cultivation of the uplands. There are some 
farms at present, under a high state of cultivation ; and skdl 
and science begin to exhibit a respectable mfluence. The 
ancient Williams farm, north of the Harbour, enjoys peculiar 
facilities of sea manure, and in the hands of the present pro- 
prietor has become very productive. Capt. Samuel Barker 
obtained a premium from the Plymouth County Agricultural 
Society, for the best crop of rye in the County m A. D. 1830. 
Richmond Jacob and Nathaniel Cushing also obtamed premi- 
ums the same year, for the general improvement of their iarms. 
Col. James Curtis received a donation in 1829, for the general 
improvement of his farm : and Thatcher Tilden, a premium 
for the best crop of rye. 

Manufactures. 

The want of permanent mill streams must forever forbid 
the people of this Town from engaging largely in those manu- 
factures that are conducted by water power. Domestick 
manufactures were formerly carried on to some extent, but 
these have ceased, from causes that we need not name. The 
manufacture of Nails was commenced in 1825, by Lemuel and 
Samuel A. Turner, on the first Herring brook. The easy 
subsistence gained from the seas, operates against enterprise 
in domestick manufactures, as it has operated against the inter- 
ests of agriculture. In 1720, the Town granted two acres of 
land on the Indian head River, between Pine Hill and Rocky 
run, to Joseph Barstow and Benjamin Stetson, " for the accom- 
modation of a Forge or Finery." (see mills). 

Li 1692, the Town granted the privilege of Satuit Brook to 
set up a fulling mill. We believe it was never buik. 

Bricks were first made on the West side of Colman's hills. 
In 1643, near John Palmer's, Soutli of the Church hiU. In 
1700, near Henchman's corner, one half mile west of the 
South Meeting-house. In 1770, on the south-west of Cord- 
wood hill. Near the same time and also later, on the west side 
of Hooppole hill. For several years past there has been an 



30 PARISHES. 

extensive manufacture on the south side of Jacob's mill pond, by 
the families of Jacob and Collamore. Also on the west of 
Mount Blue, bricks have been made. 

John Copp had a distillery in Scituate, " allowed to sell not 
less than 10 galls." (Col. Rec. 1666.) Deacon George King 
manufactured malt extensively from 1710 forwards. 



Parishes. 

The north or first Parish in Scituate must be considered as 
originating in the first settlement of the Town. The earliest 
parish records having been lost, we are unable accurately to 
state when they first procured the services of a preacher, or 
levied taxes for the support of publick worship. Mr Saxton 
had ministered there (though not ordained) sometime previous 
to 1634. But a church was not regularly formed, a minister 
settled, and a Society fully organized, until Jan. 18, 1634, O. S. 
The first house for publick worship had been erected some 
years earlier, but we are without data as to the year. In the 
laying out of lands in 1633, the Meeting-house is mentioned. 
It stood about one half mile south-east of the harbour on an 
eminence. The place is marked by the old burying ground, 
in "Meeting-house lane," and the foundation may still be 
traced. This house stood during the ministry of Messrs. La- 
throp, Chauncey, Dunster and Baker. About the time of Mr 
Baker's death, which happened 1678, the house had become 
ruinous, and the house of worship in the south or second Par- 
ish, (the origin of which will be noted in its proper place) was 
small and out of repair ;* and the two Societies having become 
reconciled, after a dissension of thirty-two years, propositions 
were made for uniting the two Societies, and building one 
commodious house for worship. The propositions not having 
succeeded, as we shall show in our notes on the second parish, 
we may venture to assume the year 1682 for the date of the 
erection of the second house of worship in the first parish. 
This house was erected on the same spot where the former house 
had stood, and lasted during the ministries of Mr Gushing and 
Mr Pitcher. 

October 1, 1707, "Voted to build a new meeting house 
upon some part of the meeting house hill, not to be farther west 
than where the ways meet below Lieut. Buck's shop." This 

* They were covered with thatch, as were most of tlic first dwelling houses. 



PARISHES. 31 

place " where the ways meet " was the four corners, in front of 
the old parsonage. It was also voted "that the cost should 
not exceed £300 with the old meeting house." The Agents 
chosen were Capt. Israel Chittenden, Capt. Benjamin Pierce, 
Mr Samuel Clap, Mr David Jacob and James Cushing. 
There arose a severe discussion on the subject of the situation 
of the house. The west section of the parish had become 
populous, and demanded it as their right to have the house 
nearer to the centre of the population ; and in the mean time 
the building was delayed. In 1708, the people at the west 
end, made known their case to the General Court by a Memo- 
rial. The same year a Committee of the Court viewed the 
premises, and heard the pleas of both parties on the spot. 
Their report was against removing the house farther west: 
and it was erected on the scite of their two former houses. 
August 1709, we find the following vote: "The Society im- 
powered Mr Joseph Otis to finish the meeting house by pewing 
of it, and also to appoint two and two to a pew (where they do 
not agree to couple themselves) each couple paying the cost of 
building the pew." We beheve this house was not plastered, 
for the following item appears in the parish accounts that year : 
" Allowed Joseph Bates 12s for filling chinks in the meeting 
house." 

March 17, 1729, "The Society in consideration of the great 
difficulty that the Society labour under, by reason of the meet- 
ing house standing so near to the easterly part of the precinct, 
and that the house wanteth repairing, the s*^ Society agreed to 
take down the s** house and remove it to a certain piece or 
gore of land betwixt two highways, which two highways open 
from that which goeth by Balch's towards Cohasset, the one 
by James Cudworth's house, the other by John Otis's, which 
piece of land is the N. W. part of a 20 acre lot, and since 
exchanged with the Town ; provided s'' gore of land can be 
obtained." February 9, 1730, "The Society voted to accept 
the piece of land where they want to set their meeting house, 
by way of gift from Mr Nicholas Litchfield." Agents were 
appointed at the same time, to remove and rebuild the house. 
But the inhabitants of the easterly section, were now roused to 
opposition, and appealed in tlieir turn to the General Court. 
In 1733, a Committee of the Court repaired to the place, and 
having admitted the parties to a hearing, reported against the 
removal. In the mean time the agents chosen to contract 
with workmen, had made a contract with James Stetson of 
Hingham : the undertaker had proceeded to purchase materials, 



32 PARISHES. 

brought an action of damages against the agents, and recovered 
£35, which the Society paid. There is no record of the 
dimensions of the house, nor of any akeration in its dimensions. 
We find that in 1737, so large a majority was obtained for 
removing it to "the gore of land" abovesaid, that it was har- 
moniously accomplished. In about thirty years, however, it 
became too small and was taken down. 

March 13, 1769, "Voted to build a new meeting house, and 
chose a committee (of 24) to consult on a method, he. and 
report to the next meeting." Ajiril 24 (same year) the com- 
mittee reported their plan, and the society voted "that the 
dimensions of their house should be 67 feet by 50," (afterwards 
altered by vote to 66 by 48). At the same meeting "Voted 
that the house should be set on the top of the hill in Mr Daniel 
Jenkins's pasture, if the land may be obtained." But now the 
old contest between the East and West-enders was revived. 
The subject was referred to a committee mutually agreed on, 
consisting of three gentlemen not of the Town, viz. Capt. 
Robert Bradford, of Kingston, Hon. James Humphries and 
Benjamin Lincoln, Esq. Their report was in favour of the 
spot selected by a majority of the parish, at their first meeting on 
the subject. The place was about forty rods farther west than 
the old house, and where it now stands. The contest delayed 
the building of the house for two years. It had been voted 
that the house "should be finished by the 1st of Nov. 1772," 
but it was not completed, so far as to be used for the purpose 
of worship, until November 1774. The undertakers were 
Capt. Joseph Tolman, Elisha Tolman, and Hawkes Gushing. It 
had a spire at the westerly and a portico at the easterly end. It 
is a building of just proportions and respectable appearance, 
and with proper attention to repairs, promises to last at least 
another half century, and exhibit its ancient model to posterity. 
In 1806, the spire had become so defective that it was thought 
proper to take it down ; which was done, and its place supplied 
with a cupola. This house was thoroughly repaired in 1825 ; 
the cupola was removed and a spire erected ; a portico built 
in front: the house new covered and painted, he. and this 
at the cost of ,^-1712,61. This house may with propriety be 
considered the fifth house of worship, which the Society 
has built, the former house having been removed from the 
ancient " Meeting-house hill " and rebuilt. 

This Meeting-house is the first house of this Society which 
has been furnished with a bell. In 1811, the Society purchased 
their first bell. It weighed 1 300 pounds. It was unfortunately 



PARISHES. 33 

broken in 1813, and in 1814 a new bell was purchased, weigh- 
ing 1408 pounds. This also was broken in 1822, and a new 
one purchased of 972 pounds. It may be well to add, by way 
of noticing the progress of improvement, that Belknap's collec- 
tion of Hymns was introduced in 1820 : and stoves for warming 
the house in 1824. It is highly interesting to remark the com- 
modious and comfortable state of things in our parish Churches 
at the present time, compared with the days, when our ancestors 
worshipped under a roof thatched with straw, by light admitted 
at an open shutter — without stoves in winter — and sung Stern- 
hold and Hopkins, and the New England Psalms. 

The law authorising the laying of taxes on the rateable in- 
habitants for the support of ministers, bears date 1677; previ- 
ously it had been the chief burden of the freemen. 

In November 29, 1679, the boundaries of the two parishes 
were fixed by order of Court, and from that time, each parish 
levied its own tax for religious uses. The taxes had previously 
been levied by the Town, and divided, probably according to the 
number of freemen in each society, or on some other princi- 
ple agreed on. It does not appear that the money for religious 
uses, had been uniformly raised by taxing, until 1665 : at which 
date we find the following vote: "The Town voted to mayn- 
tayne IVL" Baker and Air Wetherell, by way of rating yearly." 
(Scit. Rec. Vol. 6). The Town raised £105 that year — £60 
for Mr Baker, and £45 for Mr Wetherell. 

The first parish had a parsonage, on which their ministers 
resided from 1654 to 1806. It originated as follows. Mr 
Chauncey having complained of poverty, and proposing to leave 
the country, Mr Hatherly endeavoured to retain him by 
making his circumstances easier. He offered to give him a 
house and farm "bounded E. to Samuel Jackson's — W. to 
the way — N. to the undivided land — S. to the way, with 20 
acres of marsh near the mouth of Satuit brook ;" but Mr Chaun- 
cey not being willing to stay with them, the farm was given to the 
Church. The same year the Church entered into a negociation 
with Mr Chauncey, and as appears, had so much encouragement 
that they should prevail over his inclination to leave them, that 
a deed of the farm was made to Mr Chauncey, and put upon 
record. He however left them at the close of 1654. We have 
seen no writings on record, by which the farm was then relin- 
quished to the Church, and by the Church to the Society, but 
such relinquishments, we understand, were made. It appears, 
also, from the records of the Conihassett partners, that Mr 
Hfltherly and the Conihassett partners had given Mr Chau^cev 
5 



34 PARISHES. 

a share in the undivided Conihassett lands : and that this share 
was relinquished to the Church and Society, (see Con. Rec.) 
These lands were, from time to time, sold in several lots ; and 
in 1803, the Parish obtained an Act of Incorporation for their 
fund. The first trustees were Hayward Pierce, Esq. James 
Little, Augustus Clap, Calvin Pierce, and Seth Merritt, with 
the power of filling vacancies. In 1806, the parsonage was 
sold and the proceeds added to tlie fund. It now amounts 
to .$538 1,95. 

The original parsonage house was built by Mr Hatherly as 
early as 1640. January 1694, "The Society voted to build 
a new house on the Parsonage," which was accomplished. 
Again in 1742, it appears by the record that "anew Parsonage 
house was built." This last was the house now standing, and 
which was sold to Cummings Jenkins in 1806. The parish 
property had originated from so many sources that it would 
be tedious to trace out the whole. The parsonage we have 
sufliciently noticed above. In 1661, Mr. Hatherly gave his 
house and land at Farm neck " for the use of the ministry." 
The Town made several small grants : and the Society became 
successor to President Chauncey by purchase of Israel Chaun- 
cey in 1700. Some part of this parish property was sold and 
otherwise appropriated, many years before the Society raised 
their fund. For example, in 1701 they sold all the lands 
which they owned as successor to Mr Chauncey, and built a 
barn on the parsonage with the proceeds. And in 1707, they 
sold ten acres "in the beaches" and gave the proceeds to Mr 
Pitcher for a settlement, (see Parish Rec.) 



The South or Second Parish, 

May be considered as having originated in a difference of 
opinion respecting the mode of baptism. Mr Chauncey, who 
had been ordained in 1641, would baptize by immersion only. 
It was a point that was warmly discussed throughout the New 
England colonies about this time, and a difiierence of sentiment 
which occasioned divisions elsewhere, produced similar effects 
here. It appears that the minority in the Society and Church 
in Scituate, opposed to immersion, was relatively large and 
respectable, that they did not cordially receive Mr Chauncey 
as their pastor, and that Mr Chauncey had been so far disturbed 
by the opposition, that he had requested those Church members 
in the opposition, to refrain from appearing at the communion, 



PARISHES. 



35 



fe 



see Notes on Ecclesiastical affairs). By the advice of the 
Elders in the Colony, this minority proceeded to renew their 
covenant, and to organize a second Church. This ceremony 
took place February 2, 1642. . ^ , c 

We find no record of the building of their first house oi 
worship. It was doubtless erected near the time of the settle- 
ment of .Mr Wetherell, in 1645. The house was small and 
covered widi thatch. It stood on the south-east side ot the 
road, on the top of an eminence, about fifty rods north-east ol 
" Stoney cove brook." We have seen no record of the laying 
out of the Meeting-house lot; we believe it was not graiited by 
the Town, because that land had been laid out to James Torrey 
and Thomas Robinson ; it was therefore either a gift bt the pro- 
prietors or a purchase of the Society. And we have met with no 
record to show the extent of the lot, or to show that it has ever 
been alienated from the Society, though it has been fenced m 
and improved by several persons who possessed the lands adja- 
cent. This house lasted during the ministry of Mr Wetherell. 
A. D. 1679, attempts were made to unite both Societies, 
and to erect one large and commodious house of worship. There 
was however an opposition, and application was made to the 
General Court for advice and direction. A committee was 
appointed on the subject, and from the report of that committee 
we make a brief extract : "That by reason of distance of place 
and other considerations, it (the union) would not have the 
effect proposed. It being resolved by the Court that there is 
an inevitable necessity of mayntayninge two places of pubhcke 
worship in the Town, we judge it necessary that all due meanes 
be used for mayntayning the ordinances of Christ in each place, 
and therefore your mutual and joint concurrence hearein is vearie 
desirable for the strengthening and encouraging the good worke 
of God amongst you." 

Signed 
SA3IUEL Arnold, Josiah Winslow, 

John Cotton, Thomas Hinckley, 

William Bradford. 
Plymouth Nov. 29, 1670. (Col. Rec.) 

The question of uniting the two Societies had been agitated 
in Town meeting. October 24, 1679, the Town by a majority 
had voted "That if our neighbours up River, above William 
Parker's house, will unite to us, that we may be one Societie 
in peace and love, that then the place for our pubhcke worship 
shall be at Waher Woodworth's hill, or the center of the present 



06 PAIUSHES. 

inhabitants of the Town." (Scit. Rec. Vol. 6). The liill 
mentioned was one quarter of a mile south of Stockbridgc's 
mill. Again January 1, 1679-80, the Town (by a majority) 
voted " to unite and build a Meeting-house at the piece of land 
where Thomas Woodworth's shope stood." This place, we 
believe, was near the junction of the several roads a few rods 
soutli of Stockbridgc's mill. The advice of the Court above 
quoted, strengthened the opposition, and the project failed. 

There was also a dissension in the Town respecting the place 
most proper for the second Society's house of worship. In 
1645, the first Society had complained that the second Society 
had placed their house too near to theirs, and now the subject 
was revived. An appeal to the Court was answered by the 
following advice, *' That the new IMeeting-house for the Society 
iq) River, be set betweene (or neare about) Timothy Foster's and 
John Turner, sen.'s lots, about half a mile higher than the old 
Meeting-house, and that payment thereof be made by all the 
inhabitants above the mill brooke, and up s'" River called the 
N. River on both sides." 

Signed as above. 

This did not give universal satisfaction : certain persons both 
above and below the brook feeling themselves pledged to sup- 
port the respective Societies whose part they had maintained 
in the contest. 

The next year, October 1680, the order of Court above was 
thus qualified : " That the s"* Order shall be observed with this 
proviso, viz. that the particular persons here named that live 
above the mill brook, viz. Jeremiah Hatch, Thomas Hatch, 
Mr Thomas Palmer, and Samuel Clap, being of the lower 
Society, should be exempted out of s' rate, and that these per- 
sons who live below the mill brook, viz. Mrs Elizabeth Tilden, 
Richard Curtis, John Turner, jr. and Charles Stockbridge 
shall be put into s' rate." 

Attest, Nathaniel Morton, Secretary. 

The above order was published at the new Meeting-house, 
October 31, 1680, (Parish Records). The Town did not. 
easily resign their proposed plan of uniting, and in May 1681, 
instructed their deputies in the Court, to move a receding from 
their former order : but they did not meet with success. We 
may therefore (in the absence of exact record) venture to 
assume the year 1680, as the date of the erection of the second 
house of worship in the second parish. It stood on a small 



PARISHES. 



37 



eminence on the easterly side of the road, about thirty rods 
north of ihe head of the road that leads to Union Bridge, and 
near the southerly line of Timothy Foster's lot, as the Court 
directed. An ancient burying ground marks the spot. We 
have met with no record of the purchase of this lot by the Soci- 
ety, nor of its alienation. It is now enclosed and unproved by 
Timothy Foster, the great grandson of the Timothy Foster first 
named. I'his house" stood only during the short ministries of 
Mr Mighill and Mr Lawson. 

In 1706, it appears that the Society had become so numerous 
that a larger house was required. And henceforth we find fair 
records made and preserved, (commencing 1698). 

« At a meeting of the Church and Society upon the North 
River, October 18, 1706. The sayd Church and Society 
agreed and provided to build a new Meeting-house, and set it 
upon the most convenient place of that parcell of land between 
the dwelling house belonging to Thomas Bryant and Joseph 
Bryant and the saw mill near the s' house, if land may be ob- 
tained there to set it upon : and also agreed that the dimensions 
of the s" house should be as followeth, viz. 46 feet in length and 44 
feet in breadth, and 20 feet between joints, and a sloping roof 
With a turret upon it suitable to hang a bell on : and that it should 
be plaistered with white lime within side from top to bottom." 
"Capt. Cushing, Dea. Thomas King, Job Randall and 
Ensign Stephen Clap were appointed to treat with the owners 
of s' \ind, and to put out the s"^ house to building at the charge 
of s" Society." 

An alteration in the proportions and form of the house was 
voted on the 25th of November following, viz. " 50 feet in 
length and forty feet in breadth, and 20 feet between joints, 
and a flat roof of about ten feet rise." The turret for the bell, 
of course, was omitted. At the same meeting, it also appearing 
that the land of Mr Bryant could not be obtained (note, the spot 
proposed was a few rods east of the mill) it was voted " to set 
the house upon John James's land near his gate, if it may be 
obtained." This place proposed was on the south side of the 
road, about thirty rods east of Bryant's Bridge at the second 
Herring brook. The land in this place not having been obtained, 
it appears from the Town Records Vol. 6. that the Society 
petitioned the Town for liberty to set it upon the common lands, 
and succeeded in their wishes; as appears by the following 
vote, May 28, 1707: "Voted liberty to the south Parish to 
set up their Meeting-house at or near the place where it is now 
framed, upon the Town Common, and to use of their common 



PAKISHES. 



land, a conveniency for a burying place, and also for building a 
stable or stables." At the same meeting the Town ordered a 
highway to be laid out, for the accommodation of this Meeting- 
house, "from the way at Mr Job Randall's, (now David Tor- 
rey's), along over at the westward of Benjamin Sylvester's house, 
and the westward of the saw mill pond, untill it comes unto the 
way near to Bryant's house." The Meeting-house was accord- 
ingly raised in June 1707, on the small hill at the junction of 
the ways, about thirty rods West of the mill. This house stood 
during the ministry of Mr Eells, Mr Dorby, and a ])art of that 
of Dr. Barnes. 

It may be a proper place here to insert a vote of the Town 
February 28, 1706: "Voted to sell 200 ten acre lots of their 
common land at o£ per lot, and divide the money to the two 
Churches and Societies for the purpose of building a Meeting- 
house for each." This vote was carried into effect : and as 
the expense had not been defrayed by the Society, it explains 
the following vote of the South Parish, July 13, 1708 : "Chose 
Mr Eells, Dea. Thomas King, Dea. James Torrey, Capt. John 
Cushing, Lieut. Stephen Clap, and Job Randall to be a com- 
mittee of Seaters, to appoint persons in which seat he or they 
shall sit in at the s'' Meeting-house ; and the Church and Society 
agreed that their Meeting-house should be made up of wainscot 
work, as conveniently as the space of room will afford, at the 
discretion of the above s* seaters ; and the above s ' seaters are 
to admit of suitable persons that will be at the charge of building 
said pews upon the terms hereafter expressed, viz. the Church 
and Society reserving that privilege in and to s' pews, that no 
person shall have liberty to give or sell or dispose of their pew 
to any person, without the consent of the Society ; and that the 
above s"* seaters and their successors in s' office, shall have 
liberty to appoint suitable persons to sit with the owners of s* 
pews, in case they be not conveniently filled up from time to 
time, by the owners thereof." Such an office would be highly 
perilous at the present day. 

At a meeting of the Society, October 1738, a committee was 
appointed to consider and report on the propriety of enlarging 
the Meeting-house or repairing it. Their report was in favour 
of repairing without enlarging it. But the Society being nearly 
equally divided in opinion on the question, the repairs were not 
effected. In November 1740, a vote was carried to enlarge it: 
but before any progress in the work had been made, another 
meeting was called and the vote reversed ; but the repairs were 
not made. In 1743, October 10, the vote to enlarge prevailed 



PARISHES. 



39 



again : but on the first of November following, it was again 
reversed. In April 1744 and 1745, the same alternation of 
votes took place: but in July 1745, a petition of John Gushing 
and fifteen others, for leave to add thirteen feet to the length of the 
house, and make the same into pews, and to take the hazard of 
profit and loss upon themselves prevailed, and the work, we 
believe, was accomplished. The Society moreover voted to 
lay aside the diamond windows, and procure " window sashes 
and square glass," and to build another seat " forward of the 
galleries." Again in March 1764, sundry persons petitioned 
for leave to add ten feet to the back side of the house, and 
were denied. The same was repeated in 1768, and granted: 
but on reflection it was judged " to be much better to budd a 
new house." 

We come now to the fourth house of worship erected by the 
second Society. At a meeting April 24, 1769, "Voted that 
Mr Joseph Tolman be desired to draw apian of a new Meeting- 
house, to be laid before the precinct at their next meeting." 

May 30, 1769, "Voted to build a new Meeting-house agree- 
able to s' plan, using what of the old house may be convenient, 
and that the old pews be set up in the new house, as near as 
may be where they are in the old house, and that each propri- 
etor enjoy his pew in the new house, saving those who have not 
agreed to give any thing to encourage s" work, or for taking 
down and setting up their pews. Their pews shall remain for 
further consideration by s' precinct. But it is to be understood 
that this vote is upon condition that s" house be^ budt without 
any cost or charge to s" precinct as such. The Hon. John 
Gushing, Nathaniel Glap, Esq. Joseph Tolman, Galen Glap, 
and Nathaniel Turner were appointed agents to agree with 
some suitable person or persons to complete s"* work as soon as 
may be, not to exceed the first of November 1770." 

The undertakers were Joseph Tolman, Elisha Tolman, and 
Hawkes Gushing. The house was erected on the same scite 
where the forme'r house had stood. It was seventy-two feet in 
length and forty-eight in breadth, with a portico at the east end, 
and a belfry and spire at the west end. It was decent in exter- 
nal appearance, though without pretensions to elegance of archi- 
tecture. But it was'slightly built, and uncouth in the interior, 
as we might presume it would be, from reading the above vote. 
The undertakers took on themselves the hazard of profit or 
loss, and it is well known, were richly repaid. This house 
stood without alterations, until March 9, 1830, when it was 
taken down. It was then apparent that the house had not been 



40 PARISHES. 

substantially built ; and indeed, it was so considered at the time 
of its erection ; for in looking into the precinct records, we find 
that the undertakers were allowed to use the materials of the 
old house at their own discretion. The object of obtaining a 
large house at small cost was gained : but it was bad economy, 
for in sixty years it became ruinous, 

January 4, 1830, at a meeting called "to know if the parish 
would build a Meeting-house the ensuing year," a preliminary 
step was taken, by appointing a committee "to appraise the 
pews" in the old Meeting-house, viz, Melzar Curtis, Esq. 
Elisha Bass, and Horatio Gushing, all of Hanover. At an 
adjourned meeting, January 12, 1830, "it was voted to build a 
new Meeting-house," forty-seven affirmative, twenty-eight nega- 
tive. Also another committee was chosen " to appraise the 
interest of the pew holders in the old house, viz. Jotham Tilden, 
Charles Jones, and Daniel Philips." It was thought to be 
a more regular and legal proceeding, to appraise the old house, 
after the vote to build a new one. The committee appraised 
the interest of the pew holders separately, and reported a sum 
total of $806. 

At an adjourned meeting, January 27, 1830, "Voted to 
choose a committee of twenty-one to have the management of 
the building of the new Meeting-house," viz. Hon. Cashing Otis 
and others. At the same meeting " Voted that the new house 
be placed on the scite of the old one, and fronting south." 

At an annual meeting, March 10, 1830, "the vote of the 
last meeting in regard to the location of the new Meeting-house 
was reconsidered, and that it be placed near the wind mill, 
so that a part of it stand on the scite of the wind mill, provided 
land can be purchased of the heirs of Warren Sylvester at a 
reasonable price." 

At a meeting, April 26, 1830, the above vote was reconsid- 
ered, " and it was voted that the new Meeting-house be placed 
on the common, about half way between the pound and the 
wind mill, that it front the east, and that the west end be placed in 
a line with the field of the heirs of Warren Sylvester deceased." 

The building committee made a contract with Messrs. 
Whittemore Peterson, and Christopher Oakman, to supply 
the materials and do the work, excepting the painting, the 
window blinds, and the frame. This latter exception was, 
we believe, made chiefly with the expectation that the old 
frame would serve for the new house ; but the expectation 
was disappointed, and a new frame procured by the committee. 
The dimensions of the house had been ordered by the com- 



PARSONAGE. 41 

mittee to be the same as the former house, (viz. 70 feet by 48), 
but afterward reckiced to 69 by 48. The house was completed 
about the first of October, and on the thirteenth of the same 
month it was dedicated in presence of a very large assembly. 
On the following day, the pews were exposed to sale, and in 
less than three hours, they were all taken up, at an advance of 
$173, above the cost of the house. The whole cost of the 
house was |4,650. It is a beautiful and commodious house, 
adorned with a handsome spire, accommodated with a portico 
of nine feet depth, containing seventy large and convenient 
pews, and a circular gallery in'front sufliciently deep to accom- 
modate one hundred persons, exclusive of the organ loft and 
seats for the choir. The model does honor to the gentleman 
who drafted it, Mr William Sparrell of Boston. It was raised 
Muy 10, 1830. 



Parsonage. 

The south or second Society had no parsonage during the 
ministry of Mr Witherell. In 1684, on the settlement of Mr 
Mighill, the Society voted at first £60 for his annual compen- 
sation; which he dechning, it was afterward voted to add "fire 
wood and house rent." The house was doubtless purchased 
or built at the Society's charge, for we find no grant of the 
Town to that effect. The house stood a few rods east of 
Bryant's bridge, on the north side of the way. 

A tract of land had been appropriated for ministerial uses 
before the separation of the parishes, as follows : February 26, 
1673, "It is agreed that the parcell of land aioining the second 
Herringe brooke and Edward Wanton's land, from the way 
down to the marish, is reserved for the use of the ministry^ as 
occation may requier, and a common privilege belonging to it." 
(Town Rec). That this land was assigned to the second 
Society on a division of parishes, appears from the Society's 
Records, Jan. 1702-3, "Voted to sell the land granted by the 
Town's committee, between the second Herring brook and 
Edward Wanton's land." In 1694, the Town made another 
grant as follows : " The Town ordered five acres of swamp to 
be laid out to the Tenement belonging to the upper Society on 
the North River." This was on the second Herring brook 
just above the parsonage house. Again in 1703, the Society 
chose a committee " to purchase some salt meadow for the use 
of the parsonage — also the same committee to setde with Israel 
G 



42 PARSONAGE. 

Sylvester, who had hu-ed the parsonage, and to put the building 
in good repair for the accommodation of Mr Eells," who was 
about to be settled. Lastly, in 1711 "The Town granted to 
the Society up River 20 acres on Cordwood hill, for the use 
of their parsonage." 

From such sources originated the parish property. 

January 6, 1737, "The Society voted to make sale of the 
parsonage house and land adjoining it, belonging to the Society, 
to the highest bidder." This was at the juncture when Mr 
Eells had furnished himself with a house, by purchase of Joseph 
Henchman. But the parsonage was not dien sold. Dr. Barnes 
lived at the parsonage from 1754 to 1770, when he purchased 
a farm and built a house, and continued to improve and 
receive the rents until 1784. April 6, 1784, "the Society 
chose a committee to confer with Mr Barnes in relation to 
selling the parsonage house and lands, salt marsh, &:c." At 
an adjourned meeting, on the 12th of the same month, "agents 
were appointed to sell the parsonage and lands;" and at an 
adjourned meeting on the 17th of the same month, "The 
agents reported that they had made sales as follows : the Home- 
stead to Israel Turner for 230£ — the lands on Cordwood hill 
to George Torrey for 9G£ 12s — a part of the salt marsh to 
Benjamin Delano for 49£ 8s — and the remainder of the 
marsh to Seth Ewell for 47£ 10s." Dr. Barnes at the same 
time was allowed £20 per annum in addition to his salary, 
instead of the use of a parsonage. The monies raised by these 
sales, were from time to time invested "in StJ\te securities, 
Continental notes, and final settlement certificates," as oppor- 
tunity presented, and in 1799, an act of incorporation was 
obtained — the first Trustees being Elijah Turner, Elisha 
James, Charles Turner, jr. Samuel Tolman, and Joshua Jacobs, 
having the power to fill vacancies, when the parish shall neglect 
to do it within three months. The amount of the fund in 
1799, was |;7347,33, which has since been increased to a 
small amount. 

In 1727, a committee had been authorized to view the par- 
sonage house, and to report what repairs were necessary. 
That committee reported that the house was so defective "that 
it w^as not worth repairing." In June 1728, "a new parsonage 
house was ordered to be built, 40 feet in length, 17 feet in 
breadth, and 17 feet between joints, with an L on the back 
side 16 feet in length, 16 feet in breadth, and 17 feet between 
joints." This is the house bought by Israel Turner in 1784 : it 
is now in the possession of his children, and is in good repair. 



ASSINIPI'I. 43 

An attempt was made as early as 1753, to procure a church 
bell for the second Society. " It was put to vote whether the 
precinct would be at the charge of ringing a bell, provided 
particular persons would be at the charge and trouble of pro- 
curing it, and passed in the affirmative." Again in 1764, "It 
was put to vote whether the precinct would raise money to 
purchase a suitable bell for the Meeting-house, and passed in 
the negative." The same was repeated in 1767. 

March 25, 1771, "It was put to vote whether the precinct 
would accept of a bell, (as the gift of individuals), cast in this 
country, and passed in the affirmative." At the same meeting 
a committee was chosen (Elisha Jacob and others) to go to 
Abington and see a bell cast by Aaron Hobart, weighing 658 
pounds, and report whether they think it will answer, provided 
it be purchased." There is no further record of the transac- 
tion ; but we notice that at a meeting in October following, 
John Jordan was chosen to ring the bell. This bell was broken 
in 1810, and another purchased of Col. Revere at Boston, 
weighing 1018 pounds. This bell was transferred to the new 
Meeting-house in 1830. 

By way of noting the progress of improvement, we will add 
that this Society by vote, introduced the singing of Tate and 
Brady's hymns in 1764. Belknap's was introduced without any 
formality, we believe, (as no record appears), in the year 1799. 
Greenwood's was adopted by parish vote, March 21, 1831. 

In October 1830, a handsome church organ was received as 
a present from Mr Thomas Otis ; an act of the greatest individ- 
ual munificence, since the days of Mr Hatherly. 

A handsome clock was also placed in the front of the gallery, 
January 15, 1831, by the generosity of Hon. Gushing Otis. 
Ghurcli stoves were first used in December 1821, and procured 
by subscription. A hearse was procured at the Society's 
expense in 1825. 

ASSINIPPI.* 

The people in the westerly section of the south parish began 
to be desirous of forming a Society within their own vicinity, 
as early as 1766 ; and in that year petitioned to the south parish 
to be set off by mutual consent. 

* Assinippi w.is tlie Indian name for a branch of the tliird Herring brook, 
and means •' rocky water:" this name in modern times, has been corrupted 
to Snappet. 



44 ASSINIPPI. 

March 3, 1767, we find the following record in the south 
parish : " It was put to vote whether the precinct would grant 
the request of a number of inhabitants in the westerly part of 
s"* precinct, in order for their being a precinct by themselves, 
viz. all the land to the westward of the following bounds, 
beginning at the brook by Margaret Prouty's, southward with 
the brook to Hanover Hne — northward with the brook to Joseph 
Benson's land — then north by west between Lazarus Bowker's 
and John Bowker's, to Taunton Dean brook or bridge, and so 
northward whh s^ brook to the patent line : and passed in the 
negative." The same was repeated in 1770, and negatived: 
at the same meeting " it was put to vote whether the Rev. Mr 
Barnes should preach in the Meeting-house near Joshua Jacob's, 
while our new house is building, and passed in the negative." 

October 1771, Joshua Jacob and others petitioned to General 
Court that they might be set ofi' by their act. The south pre- 
cinct appointed Nathaniel Clap, Esq. Nathan Cushing, Esq. 
and John Palmer, to meet the Court's committee on the prem- 
ises, and make a representation of the case. The committee 
reported against the separation. 

March 1792, "The south precinct voted that Charles Tur- 
ner, jr., Esq. and Capt. Enoch Collamore be a committee to 
wait on the Rev. Mr Barnes, and enquire whether he is willing 
to preach in the west Meeting-house a part of the year." The 
committee reported that Mr Barnes replied, " he should wish 
to gratify the precinct." It was then voted " that he should 
preach in the west Meeting-house " the second Sabbath in each 
month, from the first of April to the first of December. The 
next year, 1793, the same question was taken in the precinct 
and passed in the negative. Some attempts, subsequently, were 
made to raise money to assist the people in the westerly section 
in defraying the expense of worship by themselves, but always 
negatived. 

In 1797, David Jacob and others petitioned to the General 
Court to be set off as a separate Society, and to be allowed to 
receive their ratable proportion of the south parish funds. 
This was opposed successfully by the agents of the second or 
south parish, viz. Elijah Turner, and Charles Turner, jr. 
Esquires. The parish had given them instructions to urge 
several reasons, the most weighty of which seem to be the 
following, viz. "that the Hmits proposed for their new parish 
would include many families which desired still to belong to 
the south parish ; and as to the fund, it was given by the Town 
.for the special purpose of supporting the ministry in the second 



ST. ANDREW S CHURCH. 45 

Congregational Society in Scituate ; and therefore no part of it 
could be legally alienated to a third Society." 

In 1812, several inhabitants of the same district petitioned 
to the General Court for an Act of Incorporation as " a Uni- 
versalist Society." The south precinct voted not to oppose, 
and they were accordingly incorporated. The above records, 
we believe, as we have extracted, contain the essential parts of 
the history of this Society. We may add, that since their 
incorporation, they have uniformly procured the service of a 
minister, and hired him from year to year. The ministers who 
have officiated for the longest terms have been Rev. Joshua 
Flagg, Rev. Benjamin Whittemore, and Rev. Mr Kilham. 
Their Meeting-house that was erected in 1769, was repaired 
and plaistered in 1814. 



St. Andrew's Church. 

The earliest notice with which we have met, of Episcopalians 
in Scituate, bears the date of 1725, (see Nichols's recollections, 
or literary anecdotes). It is related in Nichols's collection of 
anecdotes, that the Rev. Dr. Timothy Cutler, of Christ Church 
in Boston, with several attendants, came to Scituate, during an 
absence of Rev. Mr Bourn, minister of the north parish, " by the 
invitation of Lieut. Daman (then at variance with Mr Bourn,) 
and another gentleman of large estate," and performed divine 
service in the Church form, in the north Meeting-house. After 
returning to Boston, Dr. Cutler or some one of his attendants 
published an account of their excursion in the Boston Gazette, 
setting forth the respectability of the gentlemen who had invited 
him, the numbers who attended the service, and the happy 
prospects of Episcopacy in Scituate. A counter statement of 
facts from a Scituate gentleman, soon after appeared in the 
Boston News Letter, contradicting in some measure, the state- 
ment of Dr. Cutler ; denying that any principal inhabitants of 
the Town had invhed the Doctor hither, and stating for a fact, 
" that only three men of Scituate, a number of disaffected men 
from neighbouring towns, and about forty school boys," were 
present at the services. This counter statement in the News 
Letter was thus endorsed: "By authority." Dr. Cutler com- 
plained to the Governor and Council, demanding justice and 
protection. The only notice, however, that was taken of the 
complaint, appears in the following order in Council. 

"September 2, 1725, Whereas inconveniences have once 



46 ST. Andrew's church. 

and again arisen to the Government, by several matters being 
printed in the news papers, and said to be published by author- 
ity, which have never been known to the Government, nor oflered 
for their approbation, therefore advised — that the Lieutenant 
Governor give his orders to the several publishers of the several 
news papers, not to insert in their papers those words, ' by 
.authority,' or words of the like import, for the future." 

J. WiLLARD, Secretary. 

We have not had access to any records of the Church of 
:St. Andrew's, and have not been able to learn that any regular 
records of its early annals have been preserved : we therefore 
can give but a very imperfect sketch of its history. 

We observe in the records of the south parish, that the 
churchmen's rates began to be remitted under the item of 
*' Contingent Charges," in 1741, and varying in amount from 
£5 to £15 per annum. In 1699, the Town had ordered a 
piece of land to be appropriated for a common, "surrounded 
with ways, &,c." (see notes on commons). This was on the 
south side of the hill, where St. Andrew's church was first 
erected. In 1725, ten acres more were ordered to be laid out 
for a burying place and training field. This was an enlarge- 
ment of the same common. But in what year the church was 
•erected, we are not able to state; probably 1730. It was 
enlarged 1753. 

Their first clergyman who officiated for any time, was Mr 
BrockwcU, born in England, and a graduate of Cambridge in 
England : but we are without dates with respect to the term of his 
.services. Their second clergyman and the first official rector, 
was Rev. Addington Davenport, who graduated at Harvard 
University in 1719, and also received a degree at Oxford. 
We can only state that his ministry was of short continuance, 
and must have been between 1730 and 1740. He removed to 
Boston as early as 1740, where he became assistant at King's 
•Chapel, and afterward rector of Trinity Church. In 1743, 
he gave his house and land in Scituate to the Society for prop- 
agating the gospel in foreign parts, in trust, toward the support 
of the ministers of St. Andrew's Church in Scituate, in perpe- 
tuity. In this conveyance he adverts to the fact of his having 
been their first rector, (Hist. Soc. pap. year 1816). The 
second rector was Rev. Ebenezer Thompson from Connecticut. 
He died November 28, 1775. His descendants are in Scituate 
and Providence. The third rector. Rev. William Willard 
Wheeler of Concord, officiated most of the time, from the 



SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 47 

decease of Mr Thompson to 1810. He died January 14th 
the same year. He married the daughter of Mr Thompson, 
whom he succeeded in the rectorship. She died 1827. 

The fourth rector, Joab Goldsmith Cooper, officiated from 
1812 to 1816, when he retired. He was from Long Island. 

The fifth rector, Rev. Calvin Woolcot of Gloucester, was 
instituted in 1818, and officiates in 1831. 

St. Andrew's church was taken down in 1811, and a new 
one erected within the town of Hanover, and near the four 
corners. 

Another small church in Marshfield, established as early as 
1745, has always been connected with St. Andrew's, the rector 
officiating there one Sabbath in four. A new church edifice 
has been erected there in 1826, near "three Pine hill," and two 
miles to the northward of the former edifice. 

Another Episcopal church situated in Taunton, was for 
many years connected with St. Andrew's, the rector officiating 
there one Sabbath in four. That church edifice was situated 
two miles from "the green," on the Providence road. It was 
taken down many years since, and it was not until 1828, that a 
neat little Gothic church was erected, a few rods south of "the 
green." 

St. Andrew's church obtained an act of incorporation in 
1797. The wardens then were Charles Bailey and Thomas 
Barstow, jr. 



Society of Friends. 

We begin by remarking, for the benefit of those readers who 
may not have at hand Gouth's or any other general history of 
this sect, that George Fox, one of its principal founders, began 
to preach in England in 1647. None of his followers found 
their way to this country until 1656, when Mary Fisher and 
Ann Austin arrived at Boston from Barbadoes. In 1657, eight 
more came to Boston through Rhode Island. They immedi- 
ately spread throughout Plymouth Colony. It is uncertain 
what notice would have been taken of them here ; but this is 
certain, that the General Court of Massachusetts communicated 
to Plymouth Colony the first impulse of opposition to thjs sect. 
In 1656, the General Court of Massachusetts addressed a 
memorial to the Commissioners of the United Colonies, who 
met at Plymouth in September of that year : a brief extract 
ijom which will serve to show its spirit and its design, viz. 



48 SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 

" Here hath arrived amongst us several persons professing 
themselves Quakers, fit instruments to propagate the kingdom 
of Sathan. For the securing of ourselves and our neighbours 
from such pests, we have imprisoned them, until they be des- 
patched away to the place from whence they came," he. They 
then request that certain laws may be propounded by the 
Commissioners to the General Court of each of the United 
Colonies. In pursuance of this impulse, and " acknowledging 
the Godly care and zeal of the gentlemen of Massachusetts," 
the Commissioners at their meeting in Boston 1G57, began 
with recommending to the Government of Rhode Island, " that 
means be taken to banish the Quakers, fee." Capt. James 
Cudworth of Scituate, one of the Commissioners, refused to 
subscribe to this instrument, and from this time suffered much 
persecution himself, (see life of Cudworth in Family Sketches). 
The reply of the Government of Rhode Island is to be admired 
for its moderation and discretion. We give a brief extract, viz. 

" We have no law amongst us, whereby to punish any for only 
declaring their minds concerning the things and ways of God. 
We are informed that they begin to loathe this place, for that 
they are not opposed by the civil authority, but with all patience 
and meekness are suffered to say over their pretended revela- 
tions," he. At their meeting in Boston 1G58, the Commission- 
ers addressed a circular to the Government of all the United 
Colonies, propounding laws against the Quakers, he. e. g. "that 
after due conviction that either he or she is of that cursed sect 
of hereticks, they be banished under pain of severe corporal 
punishment, and if they return again, then to be punished 
accordingly, and banished under pain of death : and if after- 
wards they shall yet presume to come again, then to be put to 
death as aforesaid, except they do then and there plainly and 
publickly renounce their said cursed opinions and devehsh 
tenets." The General Court of Massachusetts followed out 
this recommendation to its greatest extent:* but Plymouth 

* The preamble of the law of Massachusetts, in 1658, is as follows : 
" Whereas there is a pernicious sect commonly called Ciuakers lately risen, 
who by word and writing have published and maintained many dangerous 
and horrid tenets, and do take upon themselves to change and alter the 
received laudable customs of our Nation, in giving civil respect to equals or 
reverence to superiors, whose actions tend to undermine the authority of 
civil government, and also to destroy the order of the churches, by denying 
all established forms of worship, and by withdrawing from tlie orderly 
assemblies allowed and approved by all orthodox professors of the truth, &c. 
therefore ordered, that if' any jierson or persons of the cursed sect of the 
Quakers shall be apprehended, &c. upon trial and conviction tliej- shall be 
banished on pain of deatls." 



SOCIETY OF FRIENDS^ 



49 



Colony at first met with opposition within her own counsels. 
The venerahle Timothy Hatlierly of Scituatc, one ot the magis- 
trates, was firmly opposed to the cruelty of the laws propounded, 
and to their whole policy in such proceedings. It was nec- 
essary to get rid of such opposition, and accordmgly m 1G58 
he was left out of the magistracy. Capt. Cudworth, who had 
been left out of the board of United Commissioners, was returned 
a deputy from Scituate in 1659, and set aside by the Court, 
(see Town proceedings). 

Isaac Robinson, son of the venerable pastor ol the Filgrim 
Church at Leyden, and some others, were removed from then- 
places in the" government and disfranchised. It is probable 
that the influence of this highly respectable opposition was felt 
notwithstanding, and prevented the Colony Irom ioUowing the 
bloody steps of Massachusetts. 

The Court of Plymouth Colony passed many laws ot great 
severity: it may be enough to give brief extracts from the 
records, e. g. In 1657 a law was enacted providing the penalty 
of "whipping and 5£ fine for entertaining aQuakuer: also 



In 1659. Samuel Sliattuck, Lawrence Southwifk and Cassandra his wife, 
Nirholas Phelps, Joshua Buffum and Josiah SoUthwick were banished. 1 he 
same year was Edward Wharton sentenced to be whipped " for piloting the 
Quakers from place to place." i i c 

In 1G5') " It is ordered thdt William Robinson, Marmaduke Stevenson 
and MarvDver, now in prison for their rebellion, sedition and presumptuous 
obtrudin^^ themselves upon us, notwithstanding their being sentenced to ban- 
ishment on pain of death, &c. shall be brought to tryal to-morrow morning 
Next day the above s<^ were sent for, acknowledged themselves to be the 
persons so banished, and were sentenced to be hangech " Edward Michaclson 
iho marshall was to see them executed. Jii"^ ?^""' '^' ' Tm n" wnn 
soldiers to guard. Rev. Zechariah Symmes (of Charlestown), and Mr Noiton 
(of Boston) " to make the prisoners sensible of their danger. Robinson and 
Stevenson were executed; Mary Dyer, on the petition oi her son William 
was dismissed on condition that she depart the colony, but to be present 
and stand with a rope round her t:eck when the others should be executed. 
The next year she returned and oflcred herselt to the government with he 
zeal of a martvr, and she was hanged June 16G0. Her husband petitioned m 
vain for her life. We add on the authority of Dr. Snow's History ot Boston, 
that William Leddra was also executed : but it escaped our notice m con- 
sulting' the Colony Records. June 13, IGGl, was appomted for the execution 
of Wentock Christooherson : but we believe he was reprieved 

In 1G61, John Brown and Peter Picrson " having been indicted for Quakers, 
and standing mute, were sentenced to be stripped from the girdle upwards, 
tied to a cart tail and whipped through the streets oi Boston, Roxbury, 
Dedham, &c. out of the jurisdiction." At the close ot this year the man- 
damus of the King put an end to these proceedings. We no ice ii the 
Plymouth Colonv Records, that William Leddra was apprehended at PI) J". 
outh in 1G59, and imprisoned " as a foreign Quaker: also that ^>l="y "J^^ 
having been conducted to Sandwich from Rhode Island by Thomas G.een- 
field, they were both arrested, and Greenfield was adjudged by the Court 
" to pay IGs.to defray the cxpence of sending lier back- to Rhode Island. 
7 



50 SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 

40s fine lor being at a Quaker meeting," In 1658, it was 
enacted "that no Quaker or ranter be allowed the freedom of 
the Colonic, or an oath in any case." In 1658, "Ordered 
that all Quakers shall depart the Jurisdiction on pain of 20s 
fine per week — their books to be seized: also 10£ fine for 
guiding a Quaker into the Colonie : Constant Southwortli with 
the raarshall to execute the above orders." 

The general allegations against the Quakers may be found 
in the preambles of these laws, and in the communications of 
the board of Commissioners that recommended them. Such 
as that " they take upon them to be immediately sent of God 
and infallibly assisted — they speak and write blasphemous 
things ; despising government, reviling magistrates and minis- 
ters of the gospel — wander up and down and follow no lawful 
calling to earn their own bread, &ic." 

We select a few of those who suffered under these laws, 
as belonging to Scituate, (see Colony Records). 

In 1660, Rhodolphus Ellmes of Scituate, was fined 10s for 
being at a Quaker meeting. Same year, William Parker was 
fined 40s for permitting a Quaker meeting in his house. Same 
year, Capt. Cudworth was tried before the Court for " a scan- 
dalous letter," sent to England. Major Josiah Winslow and 
Mr Thomas Southwortli were appointed to implead him. John 
Browne testified "that he had heard a printed letter read, which 
was supposed to be sent to England from Capt. Cudworth," 
(see Cudworth). (Released for the present). At the next 
court, same year, "Capt. Cudworth being found a manifest 
opposer of the laws of this Government, as appears by sundry 
expressions in a letter to the Governor, is sentenced accordingly 
to be disfranchised of the freedom of this Commonwealth." 

In 1660, "Robert Whetcombe and Mary Cudworth, for 
disorderly coming together without consent of parents and 
lawful marriage, were sentenced to pay 10£ fine, and be 
imprisoned during the pleasure of the Court : but being desi- 
rous to be orderly married, they were so, March 9, 1660." 
Henry Hobson of Rhode Island was summoned for solemni- 
zing the above marriage. That this was a Quaker marriage, 
we judge from the fact that the parties were Quakers. 

In 1670, "William Randall, sen. John Palmer and Henry 
Ewell, refusing to pay the minister's tax, the Court ordered 
the constables to take their goods." 

In 1675, Lieut. Robert Barker " broke away from the army, 
when they were on their march, in a mutinous way, and by his 
example allured others to come away." Barker was deprived 



SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 51 

of his commission — he was of Duxbiuy. That this mutiny 
was the result of Quaker principles, we judge from the circum- 
stance, that of the fifteen others whom he allured away, five 
were Scituate men, and Quakers, viz. Zechariah Colman, Jo- 
seph Colman, Thomas Colman, John Ranee, and John Northey : 
who were fined from 1£ to 8£, according to their respective 
offences. 

In 1671, "Josiah Palmer (of Scituate) w^as fined 10s for 
saying that ' Mr Witherel's Church was a Church of the Devil.' " 
In 1677, "John Ranee (of Scituate) for railing on Mr Baker, 
in saying he is a false prophet, and saying Major Cudworth 
is a false, hypocritical man, (note:. Cudworth was now restored 
to a place in the government), and saying that Mr Baker had 
received stolen goods ; (note : alluding probably to taxes ex- 
acted from some of the Quakers) ; also for going up and down 
to entice young persons to come and hear their false teachers, 
was sentenced to be publickly whipped." (performed). In 
1678, "Edward Wanton (of Scituate) for disorderly joining 
himself to his now wife in marriage, in a way contrary to the 
order of Government is fined 10£." 

To illustrate the history of those times, we subjoin a notice 
of the proceedings of the Colony Government, against two or 
three others who were not of Scituate. 

In 1663, "Robert Harper was sentenced to be publickly 
vvhipt for his intolerable insolent disturbance, both of the Con- 
gregation of Barnstable and Sandwich." Again the same 
sentence was passed upon Robert Harper in 1670, "for revihng 
Mr Walley," minister of Barnstable. 

In 1657, "Humphry Norton was sentenced to depart the 
colony." In 1658, Norton came back, (with John Rowse), 
and being taken before the Court for examination, Norton 
repeatedly used such insolent language to Gov. Prence, as 
"thou lyest." Christopher Winter of Scituate appeared as an 
accuser, and " deposed to a paper containing sundry notorious 
errors expressed by said Norton." The oath of fidelity to the 
Government being tendered to them, and they refusing to take 
it, they were publickly whipped ; and on refusing to pay the fee 
to the under marshal for whipping them, they were remanded 
to prison: but having satisfied the marshal, they w^ere soon 
after liberated on condition of leaving the Jurisdiction. After 
retiring, Norton addressed letters to Gov. Prence and John 
Alden one of the assistants, which surpass the ravings of mad- 
men. They are dated Rhode Island, 16, 4th m. 1658; and 
filled with such railings as the following : " Thomas Prence, 



52 SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 

thou hast perverted justice and true judgment, and has defraud- 
ed the poor and needy. John Alden is to thee like unto a 
pack horse, whereupon thou layest thy beastly bag : cursed are 
all they that have a hand therein. The cry of vengeance will 
pursue thee — the anguish and pain that will enter thy reins 
will be like gnawing worms lodging betwixt thy heart and liver. 
When these things come upon thee, in that day and hour thou 
shalt know to thy grief, that prophets of the Lord God we are, 
and the God of vengeance is our God." /see Hazard's Col- 
lections). (See Rowse in Family Sketches). 

His letter to Alden was alike furious, e. g. "John Alden, if 
there be in thee any expectation of mercy, do thou follow the 
example of Timothy Hatherly, and withdraw thy body forever 
appearing at that beastly bench where the law of God is cast 
behind your backs : let the cursed purse be cast out of thy 
house, wherein is held the goods of other men, lest through it, 
a moth enter thy house, and a mildew upon thy estate, for in 
keeping it, thou art no other than a pack horse to Thomas 
Prence — thou art set in the midst of a company that's like a 
hedge of vipers ; the best of them is not worthy to hew wood 
in the house of our God, &;c." 

These severities against the Quakers were happily checked 
soon after the restoration of Charles 11. The government of 
Plymouth Colony, in June 1661, despatched a declaration of 
adherence, as did the other Colonies. The King's mandamus 
which followed, was addressed to Gov. Endicott and all the 
otherJGovernors of New England. It is worthy of a place in 
the history of these times. 

" Charles R. 
"Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well. Having been 
informed that several of our subjects amongst you called 
Quakers, have been, and are imprisoned by you, whereof 
some of them have been executed, and others (as hath been 
represented to us) are in danger to undergo the like : we have 
thought fit to signify our pleasure in that behalf, for the future ; 
and do hereby require that if there be any of those people 
called Quakers amongst you now, already condemned to suffer 
death, or other corporal punishment, or tiiat are imprisoned, 
and obnoxious to the like condemnation, you are to forbear to 
proceed any farther therein : but that you forthwith send the 
same persons (whether condemned or imprisoned) over to this 
our kingdom of England, together with the respective crimes or 
offences laid to their charge, to the end that such course may 



SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 53 

he taken with them here, as shall be agreeable to our laws and 
their demerits; and for so doing, these our letters shall be 
sufficient warrant and discharge. Given at our Court at White 
Hall the 9th day of September, 1661, in the 13th year of 

our reign. o i • T\r • ^^ ? i 

° iSy his Majesty s command, 

William Morris." 

Such severities against the Quakers were both cruel and 
impolitic. No one is found to justify them now: and on 
reviewing the language of the government and that of the 
Quakers, we can scarcely decide which had the advantage in 
"railing accusations." After tlie government of Massachusetts 
had proceeded to extremities with the Quakers, they seem to 
have felt some anxiety, how the story would tell in history, and 
therefore they entered upon their journals a kind of justification 
of their proceedings, October 8, 1659. We will let them 
speak for themselves. (The following is an extract). 

"A law was made and published, prohibiting all masters of 
ships to bring any Quakers into this Jurisdiction, and themselves 
from coming in, on penalty of the house of correction, till they 
could be sent away. Notwithstanding which, by a back door, 
they found entrance ; and the penalty inflicted on them (proving 
insufficient to restrain their impudent and insolent obtrusions) 
was increased : which also being too weak a defence against 
their impetuous and fanatic fury, necessitated us to endeavor 
our security ; and upon serious consideration, a law was made 
that such persons should be banished on pain of death, accord- 
ing to the example of England in their provision against Jesuits ; 
which sentence being regularly pronounced at the last court of 
Assistants against these parties, and they either returning or con- 
tinuing presumptuously in this Jurisdiction after the time limited, 
were apprehended, and owning themselves to be the persons 
banished, were sentenced by the Court to death, which hath 
been executed upon two of them. Mary Dyer, upon the 
intercession of a son, had liberty to depart, and accepted of it. 
The consideration of our gradual proceedings, will vindicate us 
from the clamorous accusations of severity. Our own just and 
necessary defence calling upon us (other means failing) to offer 
the point, which these persons have violently and wilfully rushed 
upon, and thereby become felones de se as well as the sparing 
ot one, upon an inconsiderable intercession, will manifestly 
evince we wish their lives absent, rather than their deaths 
present." It would seem that this justification was necessary 



54 SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 

to be made publick at the time, in order to subdue the clam 
ours of the people. 

This is the only apology that can have any weight, for those 
proceedings, viz. the fact that it was not so much for their 
religious principles, as for their disturbance of the peace by 
their disorderly conduct, that they were punished : nor can this 
bear out the government in their severities. Cotton Mather 
collects a variety of their sayings, both from their books and 
their preachers, such as "we deny thy Christ — we deny thy 
God, which thou callest Father, Son and Spirit, &c." They 
held that no respect was to be paid "to the outward Christ 
now, he having ascended to heaven, but to the Christ formed 
in them." They held "that the Scriptures do not tell people 
of a Trinity, nor three persons in God, but that those three 
persons are brought in by the Pope — that justification by that 
righteousness which Christ fulfilled in his own person without 
us, is a doctrine of devils — that all governments and courts of 
justice are a tree that must be cut down." The same historian, 
after naming some of their wildest and most frantic disorders, 
and relating for a fact that two women were " adjudged to the 
whipping post for coming into our assemblies," entirely divested 
of their clothes ; still does not venture to justify the government 
in capitally punishing the Quakers. He commends "the wise 
and prudent counsellor in Plymouth Colony who propounded 
' that a law might be made for the Quakers to have their heads 
shaved,' " for which we thank him, and could have thanked 
him more, had he informed us who that facetious counsellor 
was. On the whole, it is now pretty well understood that the 
true spirit of religion, as well as the true policy of government, 
is, to tolerate. Nothing will soften the fury of fanaticism like 
this : and the government of Rhode Island fairly outwent the 
age, and stepped forward nearly a whole century, when they 
were meek and politic enough " to let them say over their 
revelations" without molesting them. 

This sect may be said to have been established in Scituate 
by Edward Wanton, who, after having assisted in Boston in the 
execution of the Quakers in 1G59, became at first won to pity, 
then convinced of injustice on the part of government, and then 
converted to their principles. He retired from Boston to 
Scituate, about the time that the corporal punishment was 
ended by king Charles, (see fife of Edward Wanton in family 
sketches). He soon gathered a considerable audience, and 
may be said to have been a successful propagator of his sect. 
He now stood in danger of no fine for holding meetings, for 



SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 55 

no punishments after 1661 were inflicted, save such as were 
proper to be inflicted on breaches of the peace in a civil sense. 
He had free access to many houses in Scituate, and won 
some respectable followers, particularly several of the family of 
the distinguished Cudworth. But it was not until 1678, that 
the society became so numerous as to require a house of publick 
worship. 

In 1678, Henry Ewell sold a small piece of land to Edward 
Wanton, John Ranee* and others, for the scite of a Meeting- 
house. This scite is now enclosed in the garden of the late 
judge William Gushing, at the north-east end. The house was 
sold to the Gushing family, many years after, as tradition tells, 
and converted to a stable. Another was built, which is now 
standing in Pembroke, a half mile south of Barstow's bridge, 
in 1706. This place was selected because the society in 
Scituate had diminished. It is a curious fact, that this sect in 
Scituate, which had been shielded rather than persecuted, and 
which was numerous in Wanton's time, had become almost 
extinct in one century, and that now, it is reduced to two 
families. f Previous to 1700, the principal families of this sect 
in the Town, were Wanton, Colman, Ewell, Booth, Ghamber- 
lain, Gudworth, Rogers, &;c. 

Several marriages in the Quaker form are recorded in the 
town records of Scituate : they are all nearly in the same form ; 
one of which we will copy, for the purpose of showing that the 
name of Quaker, if it were an appellation of reproach given 
them by their enemies at first, as has often been suggested, it 
was afterward a name that they recognized in their solemn acts. 

" This is to certify the truth to all people whom it may con- 
cern, that Richard New of Newport on Rhode Island, and in 
the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in 
New England, and Sarah Golman of Scituate in the county of 
Plymouth, in the province of Massachusetts Bay in New 
England, daughter to Thomas Colman of s' Scituate, having 
intentions of marriage, according to the ordinance of God, and 
his joinings declared of in the Scriptures of truth, with their 
parents' consent, did lay or declare their intentions before the 
men and women's meeting, at the house of Robert Barker in 
the township of Duxbury, in the province aforesaid, the 2d day 
of the 7th month called September 1702: which said meeting 

^ John Ranee removed to Barbadoes, (Scituate Records), 
t The respectuMc fainilies of Daniel Otis and Adam Brool<s. 



96 SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 

ordered them to wait till the next men and women's meeting 
for answer ; which s"* meeting, appointed two men and two 
women to enquire whether the woman was clear from all other 
men : and so the next month the said Richard and Sarah 
appeared the second time before tlie men and women's meeting 
at the house of s'' Robert Barker, the seventh day of the 
eighth month 1702, and the persons appointed to inquire made 
answer, they had enquired and no opposition appeared, having 
also a certificate of the man's clearness, and satisfactory account 
of the woman from the friends of Rhode Island, the place of his 
outward abode, she also having sometimes inhabited there, having 
a publication set up in each town of Newport and Scituate, 
according to law; and all things in pursuance of the same being 
clear, the meeting acquainted s^ Richard and Sarah that they 
were left to their freedom, to consummate their marriage in the 
counsel of God, and to have not less than a dozen witnesses of 
relations and people : and all things being clear as abovesaid, 
a meeting of the people called Quakers, with others was ap- 
pointed at the house of Thomas Colman in the afores'^ Scituate, 
the 8th day of the 8th month called October 1702, where after 
some time in waiting upon the Lord, the s'' Richard New and 
Sarah Colman did stand up together, and first the man and 
then the woman in a solemn manner did declare, in the face of 
the Lord and before that assembly and meeting, they took each 
other to be man and wife, then and there both promising to 
live faithfully together man and wife, till death should sepa- 
rate them, according to the law of God and the practise of holy 
men and women of God mentioned in the Scriptures of truth, 
they both then setting their hands unto it." 

isr 1 V . 1 X } Richard New. 

We also are witnesses to what you sav > c i\t ?? 

^ -^ ) Sarah New. 

John Gushing, Jr., Jus. Peace. 

Thomas Colman (and 2G others)." 

The marriage of Daniel Coggeshall, son of Daniel Cogges-* 
liall, late of Portsmouth, and Mary Wanton, daughter of Michael 
Wanton of Scituate in 172G, is recorded at large in Scituate 
records : also that of Thomas Colman of Scituate and Mary 
New of Newport in 1702. 

The most distinguished preachers of this society in Scituate 
have been Edward Wanton, who was its founder, and who 
continued his services unto old age, from 1660 to 1710, or later. 
Michael Wanton his son, succeeded his lather as a preacher, 
and with nearly as much success, from 1710 to 1740, or later. 



BAPTIST SOCIETY. 57 

It now gives us much pleasure to acknowledge, that this sect, 
having softened into a distinguished mildness, and having man- 
ifested a peculiar generosity in maintaining and assisting the 
poor and unfortunate of their own society, beside bearing a 
part in the common burden of supporting the poor, have well 
earned the name of Friends, by which they have lately chosen 
to be known. 



Baptist Society. 

A Society of Baptists was formed in 1825. Meetings had 
been held and religious worship performed occasionally for 
several years, but not until the above date, did they find them- 
selves sufficiently numerous to encourage their attempts to 
enjoy the regular services of a religious teacher. A small, but 
convenient house of publick worship was erected in 1825, and 
dedicated on the 17th day of August. 

Their first minister was Rev. Mr LeFavor, who officiated 
during the year 1825. Rev. Mr Niles officiated something 
more than two years, having commenced some time in the 
year 1826, and retired in 1829. Rev. Edward Seagrave, 
a graduate of Brown University in 1822, was ordained in 
March 1830. 

Between the terms of services of Mr LeFavor and Mr Niles, 
we may add, that the Rev. Mr Judson officiated about nine 
months, and deceased at Scituate, November 26, 1826. It is 
worthy of remark that Mr Judson had preached as a candidate 
in the first Congregational Society in 1783, and received an 
invitation to settle with them. He was afterward settled at 
Taunton over the first Congregational Society — and subse- 
quently over the second Congregational Society in Plymouth. 
He became a Baptist in 1815, and left the latter Society. It is 
due to his memory to record his catholic and candid temper 
and demeanor. He remembered die former kindness of the 
Congregational Society, within whose precincts he had become 
associated with a small society of Baptists ; and it was one of 
his last acts, to request that his remains might be buried from 
the Congregational churcli, and that the Congregational cler- 
gymen in the vicinity, as well as the Bajjtists, should be invited 
to his funeral. He was the father of the Rev. Dr. Judson, 
a missionary to India, well known for his zeal and perseverance 
in that enterprise. 

The Baptist Meeting-house stands on the Cohasset road, 
8 



58 TRINITARIAN ANJJ METHODIST SOCIETIES. 

about sixty rods in a southerly direction from the Meeting-house 
of the first Congregational Society, and about ten rods easterly 
from the intersection of the road above said Meeting-house, 
and the road that leads westerly from the harbour. It is small 
and without a turret, but neat and commodious. 



First Trinitarian Society. 

In A. D. 1824, a number of persons in the first Church 
and Society became desirous to introduce a church covenant, 
which recognised the doctrine of the Trinity : but not having 
a majority of the church, and having less than one fourth of the 
parish which were ready to favour their views at that time, they 
seceded, and formed a new Society. Their first meeting was 
held by virtue of a legal warrant from John B. Turner, Esq. 
April 15, 1825. The next year they proceeded to build a 
house of publick worship; and it was dedicated November 16, 
182G. It stands on the Cohasset road about sixty rods westerly 
from the house of the first Society, and thirty rods northerly 
from that of the Baptist. It is a handsome church, furnished 
with a spire, with one row of windows, a gallery in front, and 
containing fifty-six pews. 

The Rev. Paul Jewett, a graduate of Brown University in 
1802, and who had previously been settled at Lebanon, Me. and 
Fairhaven, Mass., was installed in this Church and Society, 
November 16, 1826. 

We may mention amongst the principal founders of this 
Society, Messrs. Ward Litchfield, Rowland Litchfield, Deacon 
Israel Litchfield, Calvin Jenkins, sen. and jr. Levi Vinal and 
Charles Curtis. 



Methodist Society. 

Occasional meetings had been held by the Methodists in the 
vicinity of Scituate harbour, previously to 1820. In 1825, we 
believe, a Society was organized so far as to be legally exempted 
from the ministerial taxes of the first Congregational Society. 
In 1826, a small but neat Chapel was erected near the har- 
bour. It stands on the lane which leads from the old parsonage 
to the harbour, about thirty rods north-easterly from the parson- 
age, and on the ancient farm of Samuel Jackson. Mr Tailor, 
of the Methodist connexion, was one of the earliest preachers 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTOUY. 59 

to this people, and instrumental in promoting the Society. 
Since the erection of their Chapel, Mr Avery, Mr Barker, 
Mr Keith and Mr Holavvay, have officiated each their year, 
according to the practice of rotation in the government of the 



Methodist Church. 



Ecclesiastical History. 

A Church was regularly gathered in Scituate, January 18, 
1634, O. S. On the arrival of Mr Lothrop and his company, 
he found a considerable settlement here, a Meeting-house 
already erected, where divine service had been performed several 
years, but we are not able to ascertain precisely how long. 
By the arrival of Mr Lothrop and his company in 1634, a 
congregation respectable for numbers, was made up, and 
Christian worship and ordinances established in due order. 
There was a ready and cheerful union between the earlier 
settlers and the later : it may therefore be safely concluded 
that they entertained nearly the same religious sentiments, and 
agreed in the main, in practice. For the peculiar views, senti- 
ments and practices of the first Church in Scituate, we refer 
the reader to Neal's history of the Puritans ; from whence it 
can be learned that their sentiments in general were those of 
Mr Robinson of Leyden, who was properly the founder of the 
Independents or Congregationalists. They differed from the 
Brownists, (a peculiarity of which sect was, that the laity might 
ordain their pastors), for they held to the practice of ordaining 
their pastors by the laying on of the hands of the ordained 
elders of their own churches. Mr Lothrop was "called to 
office," as it was termed, in this manner by the elders of his 
own church, so also Mr Chauncy his successor, and Mr With- 
erell the first pastor of the second Church, neighboring churches 
being invited only as witnesses of the proceedings. The first 
Church at Scituate, however, was not perfectly united. _ The 
controversy respecting the mode of baptism had been agitated 
in Mr Lothrop's Church before they left England, and a part 
had separated from him and estabhshed the first Baptist Church 
in Eno-land in 1633.* Those that came with him seem not all 
to be fully settled on this point, and they found others in Scit- 
uate ready to sympathise with them. Mr Lothrop with the 
greater part of his Church, removed to Barnstable in 1639, 

* Soo Neal. 



60 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

ostensibly for the benefit of the " hay grounds," that is, the salt 
marshes, but probably whh a view also to avoid the agitations 
which began to trouble his church and people, on two subjects, 
viz. that of the mode of baptism, and that of removing their 
Meeting-house farther to the south part of the plantation. On 
the settlement of Mr Chauncy in 1G41, the question of the 
mode of baptism occasioned a separation of the Church. Mr 
Chauncy would baptize by immersion only, and nearly half the 
Church were resolute in not submitting to that mode. This 
was the principal cause of the division : but we must also add 
that Mr Vassall who was at the head of his opposers, entertained 
more liberal views of Church communion, and was willing to 
admit to that ordinance the members of the Church of England. 
The same may be said of his friend Thomas King, and Mr 
Chauncy and his adherents were jealous that they " inclined to 
the Bishops." Some writers on the early history of Plymouth 
Colony, do not hesitate to pronounce him an Episcopalian, and 
think they find in this assumed fact, the reason why so eminent 
a man was not employed in some high office in the government. - 
Whatever he may have been after he retired from this country, 
he seems while in Scituate to have been as well informed in, 
and as zealous in supporting the principles of Congregationalism 
as any other man in the country, (see Vassall in Family 
Sketches). 

The Ecclesiastical history of Scituate from 1634 to 1G75, 
cannot be related more accurately perhaps, than it may be 
found in certain documents hitherto unpublished, which have 
been carefully preserved in the second Church, in the hand 
writing of Mr Vassall and Mr Witherell. They are as follows. 

Renewal of Covenant by the Church of Christ in Scituate, 
"distinct from that of which Mr Chauncy is Pastor," 

"February 2d, 1G42. 
"Wheras in former tyme, whilst Mr Lothrop was at 
Scituate Mr William Vassall, Thomas King, Thomas Lapham, 
Judith Vassall, Suza King, Anna Stockbridge, together with 
many more, were together in Covenant in one Church, and that 
many of them, with Mr Lothrop our Pastor, departed and went 
to live at Barnstable, and did leave one part of the Church at 
Scituate, who by consent of all the Church, became a Church, 
remaining at Scituate, and admitted into their fellowship John 
Twisden and many more, and so continued in one Church 
some tyme till part of this Church called Mr Chauncy to be 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 61 

their Pastor, which William Vassall, Thomas King, John 
Twisden, Thomas Lapham, Suza King, Judith White* and 
Anna Stockbridge refused to do : and that since Mr Chauncy 
was called to be their Pastor, the s^ Mr Chauncy and that 
parte of the Church that called him, have renounced their 
Church standing whereon we stood a Church together, and 
will be a Church together by some other standing, and so refuse 
us to be parte of their Church, except we will enter into a new 
Covenant with them, which for diverse reasons we find w^e may 
not do, but remaining still together in a Church state, and 
knowing that being forsaken by them, we remain a Church, 
yet forasmuch as some are not clearly satisfied that we are a 
Church — therefore — 

We do here now further Covenant, and renew that Covenant 
that we were formerly in together as a Church, that as a Church 
of Christ, we, by the gracious assistance of Christ, will walke 
in all the ways of God that are and shall be revealed to us out 
of his word, to be his ways, so farre as God shall enable us. 
And to this end, we will do our best to procure and raaintaine 
all such oflicers as are needful, whereby we may enjoy all his 
ordinances, for the good of the souls of us and ours : and we 
shall not refuse into our society such of God's people, whose 
hearts God shall incline to joyne themselves unto us, for the 
furtherance of the worship of God amongst us, and the good of 
their souls." 

A declaration entered on the Church Records, 1643. 

"Whereas, since the Covenant above written was made, we 
have met with many oppositions from Mr Chauncy and the 
rest of the Church with him, and that at the last meeting of the 
Elders in the Bay, and this present, it was their judgments, 
that from the tyme that they denied comunion with us we were 
free from them, that their advice to us was, to renew our former 
Covenant in a publicke manner, which w^e are contented to do 
in convenient tyme : yet nevertheless we hope that all the 
Churches of Christ that shall take notice of our Covenant, will 
acknowledge us to be a true Church of Christ, and hold com- 
munion with us in the mean tyme : and w^iereas there was 
great desire of the Elders manifested that we should divide the 
Town and become two Towns, as well as two Churches, some 
alledging that we must give way to let the other Church have 

* Judith Vassall manifid Resolved White. 



62 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

the larger bounties, because they were the ancient Church. 
We answer — that neither in respect of inhabitants in the Town, 
nor yet in respect of Church state in this place, is there much 
difference, not above two or three men : for when Mr Lothrop 
the first Pastor left us, most of the inhabitants and church 
members went with him, in so much that of seven male church 
members left by the Church that went, we were three. 

" 2. In regard that they cast us off wrongfully, they ought to 
be contented that we should be at least equal with them, in the 
division of lands and commons : although, indeed, the lands are 
mostly divided already.* 

" 3d. Whereas some have thought fitting that their towne 
should come three miles from their Meeting-house toward us, 
we say, that such a division would take in all our houses into 
their town (nearly) or if they leave us that little necke of land 
that some of us dwell upon, that is but one hundred rods broad 
of planting land, and their towne would goe behind our houses 
and cut us off from fire wood and commons for cattle, for a 
mile and an half beyond our houses : and therefore the Governor's 
motion was most equal ' that we should set our Meeting-house 
three miles from theirs, and so the members of each Church 
would draw themselves to dwell as neare to each Meeting-house 
as they can, and the Town need not be divided.' 

"Lastly. If that it were needful to divide the town, it 
were most fitting for them to set their Meeting-house a mile 
further from us, towards their farms and hay grounds, and then 
they may use those lands that now they cannot conveniently 
doe, and so have convenient room to receive more inhabitants 
and members, and that is the only way to give maintenance to 
their officers and enlarge themselves." 

A Letter from Mr Chauncy to the Elders and Church of 
Roxbury. 

"Scituate 22d. 12 mo. 1642. 

" Rev. and well beloved in Christ Jesus our Saviour. 

" It is an argument of greate weight with us 
that (feeling as we are persuaded you do) is urged by the 
Apostle ' that the name of God and his doctrine be not blas- 
phemed.' Therefore, in regard that it hath been credibly 
reported unto us, that our Church hath been grievously traduceii 

'^ The marshes on the river and lands adjacent to the harbour arc here 
referred to. 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 



63 



to some of you and of other Churches in the Bay, as also in 
respect that some of the church members do Uve amongst us, 
whose welfare we believe you do tenderly desire to further, we 
have thought it our duty to wipe away this dishonor of God's 
name, (at least to endeavor so to do) that might any way be 
occasioned by us. Now for any imputations that are laid to 
our charge, because we are uncertain in parte, we have sent 
two of our brethren to give satisfaction to yourselves and others 
as farre as may be, withal persuaded that you walk so far by 
rule, as not to receive, any accusation against us, without suffi- 
cient witness and hearing of our just defence. 

" Now because that other things have fallen out amongst us, 
that do serve to lay some blemish upon us, we have thought fit 
to acquaint you and other Churches with them : and they are 
these. That there are four persons in our plantation (by name 
Mr William Vassall, Thomas Lapham, Thomas King, and 
John Twisden) that have challenged of late, the name of a true 
Church of Christ distinct from us, the beginnmg and foundation 
of which pretended Church, we have found to be this. Upon 
Mr Lothrop and his brethren's resolution to depart from this to 
Barnstable, there was a day of humihation kept at Mr Hatherly's 
house, by the rest of the brethren that purposed to stay at 
Scituate, and as some of them do constantly affirm they entered 
into Covenant with God and Christ and with one another, to 
walke together in the whole revealed will of God and Christ. 

" This meeting, the four above named persons account to be 
the beginning of their Church, and yet two of them (by name 
Mr William "Vassall and John Twisden) were absent from it, 
and the other two (Thomas Lapham and Thomas King,) tho' 
they were present, yet since, before many witnesses, have 
resolutely denied that themselves expressed any covenant by 
word of mouth: but however, they say that they made an 
implicit Covenant, which they judge sufficient to constitute a 
true Church, whilst we do not, and therefore could not hold 
communion with them upon any such ground. 

" Besides, though they have of late renewed Covenant to- 
gether, yet we judge that it was done surreptitiously, without 
any notice given to our Church beforehand, who had just 
exception against some of their members that renewed it. 

" And that it was done suddenly, in that extremity of the 
greate snow on the 26 of the 11 mo. when few could come at 
them without apparent danger. ^ _ ana 

"Also (we hear) it was done irrehgiously without lasting or 
prayer needful for so greate a business. 



64 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

"Besides, we cannot excuse the meeting from being factious, 
there being already a Church gathered : and we have offered 
them several tymes, that in case we saw cause, they might 
joyne with us, which they still refused. 

"Lastly. They have since great multitudes added to them, 
(as we hear) nine or ten in a day, concerning diverse of whom 
we have just cause to doubt, that they are not lively stones for 
such a spiritual house. 

" And these things we desire you, as you have opportunity, 
to acquaint at least the elders of other neighbor Churches 
withal, that neither yourselves nor they may have communion 
defiled by any of them offering to communicate with you. 

"Now our Lord J. C. and God ev^en our Father give you to 
hold fast your integrity and increase all heavenly graces in you. 
"In our Common Saviour 

" Your loving brother 

( in the name and 
" Ch. Chauncy < with the consent 
( of the rest." 

The following answer was addressed to Mr Chauncy, March 
1643, and entered on the Church records. 

" Sir. Since we must answer your letter of complaints 
against us, we will let pass your preamble, and rank your dis- 
course of causes and complaints and much untruth under ten 
heads, for order and brevity's sake, as you will find them signed 
in the margin. 

" L It is well that you have found a beginning and foundation 
for our Church (though you intend to rase it, as you have done 
your own) and we assure ourselves that you can find no better 
for yourself; for if you found us a Church, you were received 
a member and ordained a Pastor of that Church. 

"2. 3. We count not the meeting at Mr Hatherly's house, 
the begimiing of our Church, and you did not well so peremp- 
torily to affirm what you knew not : neither do we hold, much 
less say (as you subtly insinuate) that we have no express 
Covenant, much less slight it, but have our Church grounded 
on express Covenant. 

" 4. We did not renew our Covenant surreptitiously : we 
secreted nothing by fraud from you: for you had before sent 
messengers to tell us that we were not of your Church : and if 
you have any just exceptions against some of our persons you 
nave broken Christ's rule which requires ' If thou hast aught 



ECCLESIAsiTICAL HISTORY. 65 

against thy brother, to tell him between thee and him, Sic' but 
thy brother intreats thee to shew him his offence and offers 
satisfaction, and yet you will cast evil reports abroad of him, 
who may not know the fault committed. Can you clear this 
your passage from slander? 

"5. You have untruly reported the suddenness of our 
meeting, the extremity of the greate snowe, the month, the day 
of the month in which it was : and also the apparent danger of 
the meeting, and all to the intent to defame us, as if it had been 
appointed to avoid others coming to us : wheras, some of your 
members were invited to be with us, and members of Roxbury 
and Barnstable, and both men and women were present, without 
any appearance of danger. 

"6. You would have it understood that our meeting was so 
irreligious as that we did not call upon God by prayer for his 
blessing upon us and others : you subtly insinuate when you 
say it was done without fasting and prayer : and having written 
fasting or prayer, lest that would be too greate to affirm you 
dashed out or and put in and, so that you might have some 
.color of excuse : but if you had meant plainly, you would have 
also put out prayer from your exception ; so that we cannot but 
observe that you would write what you could devise in the 
subtlest manner that you could, against us: and yet, for that 
we had not a fast, we had the precedent of our first division 
when Mr Lothrop was here, before us. 

"7. Your charge of faction is (on the ground) that there 
were a Church here; and yet you were no more a Church 
without us than we were without you : and indeed you had cast 
us off and we were not of you. Nor doth the Township make 
a Church. And as for your offering us to joyne you, ' if you 
see cause,' you might have mocked a Papist with such a 
delusion, for they may join with you ' if 3^ou see cause.' And 
what cause did we see more to take you to be our Pastor, than 
the Church of Plymouth did of which you were a member ? 
And yet you would insinuate that we wilfully and without cause 
refuse communion with you. 

" 8. And for the exception which you have against some of 
those that we have added to us, you ought to tell us the persons 
and the grounds of your exceptions. And then it may so 
appear that there may be to us as many exceptions and as much 
ground of rash censures of some of yours, as you can have 
against ours, if we should give ourselves to be 'busybodies in 
other men's matters,' 

"9. For your greate rare that you had to write to other 
9 



66 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 



Churches, that they should be kept from defiling themselves by 
any of ours offering to communicate with any of them ; it is a 
new doctrine to us, that if any of those that communicate 
together be in sin, and the church be ignorant of it, the Church's 
communion is defiled, and yet your words import no less. 

"In the former parte of your letter, you seem as if you had 
often ofiered us holy communion with you, and seem to blame 
us for refusing therof, and here you deem us so filthy, every 
one of us, that our holding communion with others would defile 
the communion of other Churches : a sudden change, too sudden 
to be well grounded. 

"Lastlv. For your subscription 'in the name and with 
the consent of the rest,' you might well leave out the 
word all, as you have done. For any thing that we can yet 
learn, but few ever did hear your letter read : and we have no 
cause to believe that all your Church would ever have been 
willing that you shoidd have scandalized us in their names; 
and therefore blame us not because we do not answer your 
letter with reference to all the members of your Church, seeing 
we find such subtilty in the subscription, that three fourths o*' 
your Church may be excused, if you please. 

"Blame us not for want of styles and compliments, seeing 
we are only to make our bare answer to an accusation." 

To Rev. John Wilson, Boston. 

"Scituate June 7, 1G43. 
" Rev. Sir. We give you hearty thanks for your courteous 
entertainment at our last being with you, when you were 
pleased to give us notice of a letter that Mr Chauncy sent to 
Mr Elliot, with the intent to be showed to the Elders, wherin 
he intimated some complaints of us : which letter the Church 
is desirous that I should answer, because Mr Elliot hath told 
me the effect therof, but not delivered us the letter or a copy. 
The effect I take to be this. 1. He blames us for calling 
ourselves the old body or Church. 2. for schisme. 3. for 
close combining ourselves. 4. for not calling the Church to 
see our proceedings, which he is pleased to call faction. 5. 
suspicion of some ungodliness in the meeting. 6. for injury 
to their Church. 7. with wrong to God's ordinances, opposing 
them. 8. that many poor soules may be snared by our example. 
9. that his ministry is opposed by our practise. All men may 
perceive that the accusation is very sharp, and we conceive 
without cause. 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 67 

"1. To the first we answer, that we and they were one 
Church together, and they disclaimed their Church state wher- 
in we stood ; reason and reHgion will show that we must needs 
remain the old Church, themselves being become a new one. 
I will not find faulte with him for unorderly proceeding, desiring 
only to clear ourselves. But that we were a Church, the Church 
at Barnstable can and doth witness, and nothing to the con- 
trary can (I think) be said from God's word : and to this 
Church was Mr Chauncy dismissed by the Church at Plymouth, 
and by this Church, as it then stood, was he called and ordained 
a Pastor, and with us the Churches here have rightly held 
communion. And that he hath rejected the church state in 
which he stood, when he was ordained a Pastor, is clear ; for 
in the publick assembly on the Lord's day he declared it, and 
then admitted members anew, who were members with us 
before, and refuseth communion with us because we will not do 
the like, sending messengers to us for that purpose. So we 
take it to be no offence to term ourselves the old Church, that 
Avas left here at Scituate, when Mr Lothrop our Pastor and the 
rest departed from us. 

" 2. Neither can we be charged with schism, seeing that we 
neither rend from them nor any other Church, but desire com- 
munion with all the Churches. 3. Nor with close combination, 
who were combined formerly in pubhck, in the presence of the 
whole Church before they departed, and now have renewed 
our Covenant, before more than twenty witnesses, some of 
whom were members of other Churches, and some of their 
members were invited to be with us; so that we cannot be 
charged with close combination, who did only renew our Cove- 
nant and that so publickly : neither do we find either precept 
or practise in the Scriptures against us, nor the practise of any 
Church in New England or elsewhere, but the contrary in some 
Churches who have divided and changed their Church state, 
and did not call other Churches to see their proceedings (as 
Mr Lothrop and Mr Chauncy and the Churches of which they 
are Pastors). 4. Nor can we be blamed for not calling their 
Church to see our proceedings, seeing Mr Chauncy was offend- 
ed because we refused to call him into office, and it is likely 
he might have disturbed our peaceable proceedings. Nor can 
there be any faction in our proceedings, for faction is for some 
parte of a body to rise against that body, but we were, before 
this time, declared by them to be no parte of their body. 
5. Suspicion of ungodliness upon little, and indeed no grounds, 
argueth greate want of charity. 6. We cannot perceive how 



68 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORf. 

we can do their Church any injury, by seeking the ordinances 
of God for the good of our souls ; but it is our duty, and we 
sin if we neglect it. Now with them we cannot enjoy them, 
except we will receive Mr Chauncy to be our Pastor, upon his 
terms, in his difference with us and with other Churches, in 
the administration of the seals,* and some other things which 
in conscience we cannot do. Nor can we hurt their outward 
estates, by leaving them to bear a greater burden than they can 
bear, to maintain their officers; (for which, if it were so, they 
should blame themselves and not us, who in all their agitations 
concerning the bringing in of Mr Chauncy, neglected to call 
us to advise with them) ; but the truth is, that before we came 
hither, which is more than seven years since, the old Church 
were at difference about removing the IMeeting-house toward 
that end of the Town, where our hay grounds and most of our 
lands lie, it being set, for Mr Hatherly's ease, at the very outside 
of our plantation : Mr Hatherly and some of London, having 
by estimation eight if not ten thousand acres of land,f beginning 
very near our Meeting-house, on which Mr Hatherly makes 
farms, one of which is three miles northward from the Meeting- 
house, and our lands reslch ten miles or more to the south- 
westward, by which runneth a faire River, navigable for boats 
ten miles, and hay grounds on both sides, and hath an outlet 
into the sea about four miles from the IMeeting-house, with 
lands sufBcient for a Township to settle upon : by that River 
lieth the most of our land, and there is little hay ground near 
the Meeting-house, but east and west remote from it, lieth good 
store ; so that if all other differences were reconciled, yet it 
were the undoing of us and them both, if we do not become 
two Congi'egations, and take in more to them and us. And 
God, by his providence, hath so ordered things lately, that most 
of the lands eastward, are come into Mr Hatherly's hands, and 
by wise ordering of things, a convenient Congregation may be 
settled with Mr Chauncy, and another whh us, and tho' we 
cannot live to be one Congregation, yet if we be two, we may 
live comfortably both. I might be longer on this point, did I 
not see that I shall be tedious. 

" 7. He seemeth to imply that we, in our way, do oppose 
the ways or ordinances of God. Supposing some difference 
between ourselves and other Churches, or at least between 



* This refers principally to baptism. 

t Sec Conihatisett ffrant described in this history. 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 



69 



him and us, either in judgment or practise : (an unfittmg ob- 
jection for him to make, who is himself differing from most of 
the Churches in this land, and most of the reformed Churches 
in the world, both in judgment and practise, in so weighty 
matters as the seals), yet we do not believe that we differ 
from most of the Churches, or yet from any here, in any fun- 
damental thing, not in point of grounds of religion, for none of 
us ever inclined to any of those things that by the Churches 
here are called errors or schism, which have been or now are 
in question: and as for particular orders in Churches, we know 
that their states have in all places and ages something differed 
and are likely to differ, and yet without refusing holy commu- 
nion ; that sweet communion of souls, the love of brethren, so 
highly commended to us by the Holy Ghost is not broken 
but for great failings, unless where the adversary do get to 
great advantage, by the infirmities of the part relusmg : from 
which fault we pray the Lord to keep us. 

" Mr Chauncy needs not to tell others of our differences (which 
many Elders both in the Bay and with us, knew before him, 
and it may be, more fully than himself), and yet hold it to be 
no such matter to refuse to hold communion with us. Neither 
can our own grounds breed offence in practise ; for (to give 
you a touch in brief) we hold the practise that particular church 
fellowship is an Apostolic ordinance, which should be entered 
into by all that can attain unto it, and that the best entrance 
thereinto, is to manifest our graces by covenanting one with 
another ; but in case that God denies any the means of partic- 
ular Church fellowship, then the Churches, upon the manifes- 
tation of their grace, should receive them to communion : but 
if it be objected that such a case cannot be ; I answer that it 
mi"-ht have been my case, who, in tenderness of conscience, 
could not have enjoyed it with Mr Chauncy, in respect of his 
judgment and practise in the governments, (and many other 
cases I could instance), for had not the Lord provided that we 
were in fellowship before, and we had wanted matter for a 
Church, I had been debarred Church fellowship, except I 
should have undone myself and family by removing, as some 
have done. And as for that some may think that we incline 
toward the Scottish discipline, I conceive the difference in that, 
to be more in words than in substance, and not that we differ 
much in the main, and this is the great matter that causes 
reports to grow like snow-balls bigger and bigger by rolling. 
But those that know us fear not our inclining to the bishops, or 
to receiving profane persons to the sacraments : our only wish 



70 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

is that some more care were taken to instruct all in religion by 
catechising, that we might win more to God and fit them for 
the ordinances : and whatever many may think, I cannot see 
how we are likely to practise contrary to the general practise 
of the Churches here : and moreover if at any tyme there be 
any other question that may breed suspicion of us, we are, and 
hope ever by God's grace shall be, not only willing but very 
desirous, to crave the help and counsel of the Churches of 
Christ, not presuming on our own conceivings : we desire to be 
open and free, and to come to the clearest light. 8. 'Many 
poor souls may be snared by our examples.' If he mean by 
our example, our not closing with him wherin he difFereth from 
other Churches, we are not in fault for that : but other en- 
snaring I cannot perceive. 9. ' For opposing his ministry by 
our practise.' Be it far from us, if we take his ministry for 
the pure preaching of the gospel of Christ : but we must give 
him his due, that God hath blessed him with many excellent 
gifts in that kind that we oppose not : yet he is a man, and 
Paul had something to keep him down after his great revela- 
tions, and for aught we know, the Lord in mercy, may let him 
discover some weakness, lest too much should be given to man. 
But we do as little oppose his doctrine, as any Pastor's doctrine 
in the land is opposed : but if he mean, that to practise con- 
trary to him in some things, is to oppose his ministry, it is 
unfitly alledged by him that practiseth contrary to all the 
Churches, for by that rule he would be found to oppose all the 
ministry of all the pastors. Nor do we pretend to build up our 
Church because he is not an able teacher, but for other weighty 
reasons ; wheras we are necessitated so to do in respect to 
spiritual and temporal wants that urgeth us. 

"Thus having a little imparted our condition to you, hoping 
that you will be pleased to acquaint other elders with our just 
defence against former accusations or intimations of jealousy 
that may have come to any of your ears, I humbly crave pardon 
for my long letter, being very sorry that I am forced to be so 
large : and yet I could not avoid that particularity, for 1 have 
been much briefer than the nature of the thing requires, yet I 
doubt not but you in your wisdom will conceive the truth by 
this brief relation. Intreating your favorable construction of 
our candid intentions — I commend you to the grace of our 
Lord Jesus Christ and remain 

"Your obliged in all Christian service 

"William Vassall." 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 71 

To Rev. John Cotton, Boston. 

"Scituate, March 9, 1643. 
" Rev. and beloved in die Lord Jesus, and his grace be 
multiplied on you and yours. After our thankfulness to you 
for your great love and pains manifested to clear up our differ- 
ences between us and Mr Chauncy, and your Christian charity 
in holding communion with myself, notwithstanding the rumours 
spread of us ; (tho' nothing proved) ; and I hear that Mr 
Chauncy by his letter hath blamed you therefor.* Now 
further, for your own and the rest of your w'orthy elders and 
brethren of your Church, as also for satisfaction of other elders 
and Churches of Christ living in the Bay, I have herewith by 
the appointment of our Church, sent you an answer to Mr 
Chauncy's letter, and also a relation of our church state, 
beseeching you to acquaint the elders amongst you with our 
condition, and give us your counsel and acceptance, as you 
shall in godly wisdom see cause. You know that all men are 
subject to failings by prejudice, for they are men and not gods ; 
and we fear that Mr Chauncy hath conceived too much preju- 
dice against us without grounds. And vvheras he would have 
his letter answered, and seems to be willing to have a hearing 
before some elders, yet he is not contented to show us before 
hand who are the persons nor what are the faults he will charge 
our members withall, which he in general terms doth complain 
of in his letter, but would have us hear his accusations at the 
meeting without preparation to answer, which is not reasonable, 
and according to the rule of Christ w'hich requires private satis- 
faction ; and we care not to bring forth any member to publick 
reproof, till he refuse to give private satisfaction, much less 
come to the hearing of strangers before the Church have heard 
the same : and although we have cause to believe that he hath 
little against our members, yet we must walk by rule, and 
desire first to clear our Church state, and then let him come 
and see if the Church will not deal with her members according 
to rule. And having little hope of a fair hearing upon equal 
terms, we answer his accusations by writing, and have sent 
you two copies, to the intent that you may, if you think meet, 
send him one, and keep the other, to make use thereof as you 
see fitting opportunity, hoping that you will be pleased deliber- 
ately to weigh our condition, and commend om* cause to the 
Lord, and also to the elders; and we shall rest at present, 



* This has reference to a letter which we have not been able to recover. 



72 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

waiting God's providence which we pray may be for his glory 
and our good, and commend you to the grace of Christ. 
"Yours in all Christian service 

"William Vassall." 

" Sir, I entreat you to excuse me to your 
wortliy pastor* and Mr Elliot, tliat 1 did 
not write in particular to them, for paper 
is so scanty, tiiat this is ail that I have for 
the present." 

To Mr Cotton. 

"Scituate, April 6, 1644. 

"Rev. Sir. All due respects to yourself and your worthy 
pastor. I have herewith sent you, by the appointment of the 
Church, an answer to the letter of Mr Chauncy to Mr Elliot's 
Church. You may also be pleased to understand, that since I 
last spake with you, there hath been a day appointed for the 
meeting of the Elders in Plymouth Patent, at Mr Partridge's 
house in Duckesbury, which is lately past; at which meeting 
some of us did attend to present to the Elders the relation of 
our Church state, and desire their counsel : but it so fell out 
that no Elders came thither but Mr Chauncy and Mr Bulkley : 
and when we saw that there came no more, we sent it to 
Mr Partridge and Mr Bulkley, and did intreat them to show it 
to Mr Chauncy and desire him to make his objections against 
it, if he had any: and also to consider it well themselves, and 
be pleased to shew us their minds therin : and they shewed it 
to ]NIr Chauncy, and they tell us that Mr Chauncy did not deny 
or except against the truth of the relation, nor yet greatly 
against the manner of our Church state, but seemed to have 
some personal offence. To which we answer, that we are 
ready to give due satisfaction, according to the rule of Christ. 
And for themselves, they say, they do not deny that we are a 
true Church, but yet they desire to hear the minds of other 
Churches. 

" Now Sir, the case so stands whh us, that we are about to 
procure a member of the Church of Duckesbury to be a pastor 
to us : his name is Mr Witherell, who sometime lived at 
Charlestown and Cambridge : he is a teacher of Grammar by 
profession, a man of good report here and elsewhere, and it 
may be he is known to yourselves, (whose advice herin we 



* !Mr Wilson was Pastor and Mr Cotton Teacher in the first Church 
in Boston. 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 



73 



also do entreat) : but for want of approbation, it may be that 
tlieir Church may refuse to part with him ; and he is for the 
present unsettled, and he must presently be settled in some 
way, as God shall direct him. If therefore you shall be pleased 
to lend your helping hand in advising them and us, we shall 
remain ever thankful to you : and saving further troubling you 
at this tyme, I commend you and our business to Christ the 
Lord, the head and director of the Church, and remain 

"Yours in all Christian service 

"William Vassall." 

A Relation, he. 

" To the Elders and Churches of Christ both in Plymouth 
Patent and the Bay. 

" The Church of Christ in Scituate, distinct from that of 
which Mr Chauncy is Pastor, sendeth greeting in our Lord 
Jesus Christ. 

"Rev. and beloved, &ic. 

" It is an argument of great weight with us, that in all 
things we should ' approve our ways before the Lord ;' and 
knowing that there have been some doubts and scruples raised 
concerning our Church state amongst some of the Churches, we 
are desirous to present unto your view a brief recital of the 
same, in humility and sincerity, craving your judgments con- 
cerning our Church state, whether you judge it to be according 
to the rules of Christ or not, that you may consent to give us 
the right hand of fellowship as we now stand, if we be in the 
right way, or otherwise that you would be pleased by the 
direction of God's word, to help us to be settled in the right 
order of the Churches of Christ. 

" In former tymes, many of us, with Mr Lothrop our Pastor 
were in Covenant together ; and that state is not questioned. 
The greater parte, with the Pastor, departed and live at Barn- 
stable. Before their departure, the Church assembled of 
purpose that they might provide to leave the remaining parte in 
a Church state. The Pastor propounded to those that stood 
up, whether they resolve to become a Church or not. Certain 
of the brethren answer that they desire so to do. The Pastor 
then desires them to show themselves, who they be that desire 
it, who declare themselves, and they were about eight men. 
Then he propounds to the Church, whether they judge these 
brethren meet to be left as a Church by themselves, and the 
10 



74 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 



Church answers in the affirmative. Then the Pastor raphes 
to the brethren that desire to be a Church, that they must 
covenant to walk together in the ways of God, according to his 
revealed will ; to this they answered that they would so do ; 
and one of them answered, 'for aught I know in the same ways 
that we now do.' So that the Church was w^ell satisfied, and 
agreed to declare in publick on the Lord's day < that these 
were separated and become a Church.' And so when the 
day came, the Pastor began to declare the same, and then one 
of the brethren that had before agreed, upon his own mind, and 
without consent of the rest, desired to have the Pastor forbear 
for the present. It seems that he had taken some conceit, that 
those that were to remove would not remove : so that after this 
it was thought fitting to set a day apart to seek God, partly to 
clear up his doubts, and partly to know God's mind concerning 
Mr Blackwood, whom we had some thoughts to procure to be 
an officer for us. So we sent for him and he came to us and 
kept the day; and after the exercises performed, then every 
one being asked about his mind to proceed, there was a full 
consent manifested by all that were present: and this was soon 
after published on the Lord's day by the Pastor, who required 
those brethren 'to walk together in all the ways of God,' and 
they all consented. After this, both the Church that departed, 
and all other Churches that knew us, held communion with us 
as they had occasion, and to us as a Church was Mr Chauncy 
dismissed by the Church at Plymouth, and by this Church 
was he ordained a Pastor. And this is that Church state that 
Mr Chauncy now questions, and hath publickly disclaimed 
(having said in pubhck that the Church could not stand thereby) 
and finds another, that is to say, from the time that he was 
admitted a member to us, being a day set apart for a fast upon 
other occasions. But it seems, that on that day, they did also 
renew our Church Covenant as we then stood a Church : and 
himself confessed, when he disclaimed our Church state, ' that 
they did not intend to make a Church by renewing Covenant;' 
for said he ' we thought ourselves to be a Church :' and he 
said ' however there was a Covenant and that was sufficient, 
and to that Church state we will stand,' and presently ad- 
mitted diverse of our members over again, because they were 
not present at their renewing Covenant that he speaks of when 
he was received a member of our Church. Till this tyme we 
stood together as a Church. But after this they sent us word 
that we were not parte of their Church, and except we would 
renew our Covenant with them again, they would not accept 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 75 

US to the seals with them. And this is the ground of their 
Church without us. 

" Then we, seeing that they had cast off their Church state 
that we stood in together, conckide that we remain the Church 
which we were but a part of before the other part had fallen 
off from us. We resolved not to wrong ourselves, nor yet the 
Church of Barnstable that left us here a Church, so much as 
to disclaim our true Church state, for so uncertain a Church 
state as they that had forsaken us had, and desired us to stand by 
with them. And therefore we met together and called many 
witnesses unto us, both members of other Churches and others, 
and renewed our Covenant, and did 'further covenant (for 
avoiding all doubts and scruples that have arisen or might arise) 
that we, as a Church of Christ would walk in all the ways of 
God that are or shall be revealed to us by his word to be his 
ways, so farre as the Lord should be pleased to enable us.' 
And this is the Church state that we stand by without them. 
And if you shall find it to be according to the rules of Christ, we 
entreat you to manifest the same to us, and give us the right 
hand of fellowship, but if otherwise, we entreat you to shew us 
our mistake, and to direct us by God's word what we ought to 
do, to be settled in the right order of the Churches of Christ : 
and we shall bless God for your help, and be thankful to you 
for your brotherly love and pains for us, desiring the Lord to 
manifest his mind to us, that we may do his will." 

The above relation having been sent to the elders in both 
Colonies, received formal answers, near the close of 1643. 
The answer of the elders in the Bay we have not been able to 
recover ; we learn however from Mr Vassall's letters, and from 
the proceedings of the Church afterward, that it was of a differ- 
ent tenor from that of the elders of Plymouth Patent, in some 
respects. 

Answer of the Elders of Plymouth Patent to a Relation, he. 

"From what we have heard alledged and proved, we 
consent — 

"L That the bretliren that were left at Scituate by the 
Church that went to Barnstable, were left in a Church state. 

" 2. That Mr Vassall was really dismissed by the Church that 
went to Barnstable, to the Church that was left at Scituate. 

" 3. Therefore we judge that the message sent to Mr Vassall 
and the rest, to signify the denial of them from communion 
with them, cannot be excused. 



76 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

"4. We do further judge, that the afores'' members, who, 
upon the message sent to them, did gather themselves into a 
new body, was irregular, 1, because done without seeking con- 
sent of the Church whereof they were members : 2, because 
done without consulting with other Churches : 3, because done 
without solemn humiliation. 

" 5. We do desire that both parties would seek mutual recon- 
ciliation and reunion, by all due means : but if reunion cannot 
be obtained, we see not how the foresaid members can pro- 
ceed to be a distinct body, without the consent of the Church 
whereof they are members. And we also earnestly desire, 
that after their mutual conviction of miscarriage, the Church 
should grant them, upon their request, an orderly dismission." 

To Rev. John Elliot,* Roxbury. 

" Scituate, April 6, 1644. 
"Worthy Sir. 

" All due respects to you premised, he. Be pleased, 
I pray, to take notice of our condition, and lend us your helping 
hand to advise us in our business. You may be pleased to 
remember that at my last being with you, we had some little 
speech about Mr Witherell's being invited to us to be an officer, 
either Pastor or Teacher, and you did give a good report of 
him : and that I informed you, that he made such doubts of his 
fitness for the place, that I feared he would not embrace our 
offer. But since which time, we perceive that God has given 
him more freedome of spirit for the work; our desire therefore 
is, that you would be pleased to advise with the Elders of 
Boston, and some others, as you shall see fitting, and help us 
by your godly counsel, that both he and we, and the Church 
of Duckesbury, of which he is a member, may receive such 
light from God's word by your means, that in our progress, 
God may have the glory, and his people satisfaction and com- 
fort. As for our Church state, Mr Cotton hath the relation 
therof, and also an answer to Mr Chauncy his letter, and 
further relation of what hath since been done at Duckesbury : 
and if 1 thought that you did desire the relation of our Church 
state, and the answer to Mr Chauncy his letter, for your own 
particular use, or the satisfaction of the Church, I should send 
them to you : but I desire the rather to forbear awhile, till I 

* This was the famous "Apostle Elliot," so called, on account of his 
success in establishing a Church amonpst the Indians at Nonantum, now 
Natick, about 1646. He was pastor of Koxbiiiy from J632 to 1690. 



ECCLESIASTICAIi HISTORY. 77 

see whether Mr Chauncy will reply or not : though I thmk he 
will not, for I cannot see to what purpose it should be, seeing 
we have written nothing but what is evidently to be proved : 
and our case so stands with Mr Witherell, that he must suddenly 
resolve on his course, having no means to live upon at Duxbu- 
ry. Now that 1 be not tedious to you, I shall cease to trouble 
you any farther at present, commending you to the Lord, 
beseeching him to direct you and us, so to order our counsel 
and proceedings, that himself may have the glory, and his 
people comfort, and ourselves peace and increase of grace. 
"I remain yours in all Christian service 

"William Vassall." 

To the Rev. Ralphe Partridge, Duxbury, _^ 

"Scituate, May 1, 1644. 

" Worthy and Rev. Sir. 
" After many thanks for your love and desire to clear up 
the differences with Mr Chauncy and ourselves, you may be 
pleased to remember, that at our last being with you, you 
returned us answer from Mr Chauncy (after a sight of our 
Church state) that he was desirous to refer the differences 
amongst us to the Elders of Plymouth ; with which we have 
acquainted the Church, and their answer is this. 

"That they desire to refer the Church state to the Elders 
and others, and to give satisfaction to all Churches : and also 
will not refuse any hearing at Plymouth as he desired : but for 
personal offences, they must proceed according to rule, first in 
private, and if we cannot satisfie him, to require the Church to 
deal with the offender, and if the Church do not see him satis- 
fied, then the Church will be ready and willing to show their 
proceedings before the Elders, and the reasons of their not 
being satisfactory to him ; and this they desire that you would 
be pleased to return him for our answer. 

" Now wheras you know that we desire to enjoy Mr With- 
erell to be an officer unto us, if God shall be so pleased, we 
desire that the Church of Duckesbury would be freely willing 
to consent to us, and for that purpose that you w^ould shew 
them the Relation of our Church state, and we shall be ready 
to approve the same for truth ; but we intreat them not to hinder 
our proceedings, without shewing us the cause of ofTence, that 
it may be removed by us. 

"I commend you to the grace of God in Christ Jesus, and 
remain Yours in all Christian love and service 

"William Vassall." 



78 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

A Reply to " the Answer of the Elders of Plymouth Patent 
to a Relation, Sic." 

" N. B. Entered on the Church Records without the preamble. 

" At your meeting at Plymouth you judged our act irregular 
in gathering our Church: 1, for want of the consent of the 
Church of which we were : 2, for want of consulting with 
others : 3, for want of a day of solemn humiliation. 

" We further wish that you would shew us what rule of 
God's word we have broken, for want of asking their consent, 
that denied us to be of their Church, and denied the Church 
state that we stood in together with them : or to shew us how 
we were bound to them during their pleasure : or that we may 
not leave the Church for their bringing in a Pastor that in con- 
science we think not fitting. And is it not a sufficient discharge 
to consent that we should not have their Pastor to be our Pastor, 
and that we may join any other Church, and they will hold 
communion with us? We entreat you to prove by the word of 
God our irregularity. 2. We do not see that it is essential for 
members of a Church to consult with other Churches, when 
they renew their covenant, to establish them a Church, when 
they had been fitting church members before : we desire you 
to prove by God's word, our irregularity. 3. W^e see not that 
solemn fasting is essential to renewing a covenant ; therefore 
we desire you to prove from God's word, our irregulai'hy in 
that point. W^e desire, in point of irregularity, whether you 
mean the irregularity to be such that it annihilates our Church 
state ; if so, we pray you prove that by God's word : or whether 
you mean some rule amongst you that we know not of: if so 
we are willing to give you such reasonable satisfaction as is 
meet." 

Letter to Rev. John Rayner,* Plymouth.. 

"Scituate, August 28, 1644. 
"Worthy Sir, 
"You know what trouble hath arisen amongst us, about 
your expression of your opinions at Plymouth, about our re- 
maining members of Mr Chauncy's Church. You gave three 
reasons for what you said, all which did not give satisfaction 
either to ourselves or to others. Neither did that letter of 



* Mr Rf!j-ner was pastor of Plymouth fiom 1635 to 1655, when he removed 
to Dover. 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORT. 79 

yours give Mr Chauncy any cause to do as he hath done, but 
his prejudice is since more manifest, by his complaint to gov- 
ernment that he is in fear of his Hfe for me : this, you all and 
all that know me, will conceive to arise from passion and not 
from any just cause for fear. Because we deny his authority 
over us, and justify ourselves in forming a Church after we 
were cast off, he breaks forth into passion against me, and 
accuseth me that he is in fear of his life. We have offered 
tliem to confer in private, or to dispute it before the Governor, 
Mr Hubart* on our part and any two that they will bring on their 
part, but nothing will be accepted. Consider now 1 pray if it 
is meet for us to come into Mr Chauncy's company, or to have 
any dispute with him in any way, or to be under his authority. 
Passion and prejudice are no fit Governors. Messengers from 
Mr Chauncy's Church inform me, that there is a meeting at 
Marshfield, and that their Church would meet us there, and 
reason on our business. If they will appoint a man to dispute 
before you, I will lay all aside to attend the business, provided 
that their Pastor be absent, for it is not reasonable that I should 
meet where he is, seeing he complains that he is in fear of his 
life for me. 

" Thus commending you to the grace of Christ, I rest 

"Yours in all Christian love 

"William Vassall." 

To the Rev. Ralphs Partridge, Duxbury. 
"Scituate, April 9, 1645. 

" Worthy Sir. My love and my wife's to you and yours. 
I read your letter dated 8th Apr. 1645, wherein you intimate 
that some advise us to forbear our work in hand, and that they 
say that they have many weighty reasons for it. And do you 
think us such dupes that we cannot discern thereby, that there 
is a plot of Mr Chauncy in it, and of those that adhere to him? 
Shall we never be at rest, nor suffered to worship God accord- 
ing to our consciences ? Is it a small persecution to keep us 
and ours in a state of heathen? And how is it that the perse- 
cuted have become persecutors? The Lord judge between 
them and us. For my part, I hope I shall never give over all 
lawful means to enjoy God's ordinances : and if through perse- 
cution, we be debarred in New England, we must wait till the 
Lord remedy it here, or we can return to the land of our 

* Without doubt, Rev. Peter Ilobart, first pastor of Hingham. 



80 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

nativity again. But I admire that you are so soon taken in 
this plot, as to advise us to forbear God's worship. What 
evil are we about, that we should be advised to forbear ? Is it 
not lawful and commendable to seek God's favour by fasting 
and prayer? And is it not lawful for God's people to renew 
a covenant of obedience to him in his ways? Sure I am that 
our greatest enemies cannot charge us that we are going about 
any evil. The Lord direct us, that we sin not against him, 
nor fear the faces of our persecutors. As for their weighty 
reasons, when we shall see them, we shall desire the Lord to 
show us the weight of them, and if there be none, I desire that 
we may not be troubled with them. In the mean tyme we 
must not mock God ; seeing we have appointed a day for his 
worship we must perform it, and we conceive it is sinful to 
dissuade us from it. Thus commending you to the grace of 
Christ, I remain 

" Yours heartily in all good service 

" William Vassall." 

Before finishing tliis letter I read the Elders 
letter, wherein the plot of Mr Chauncy is 
discovered. I have answered their letter 
to Mr Bulkley, which you may see. 

To the Rev. Edward Bulkley,* Marshfield. 

"Scituate, April 9, 1645. 

" Rev. and worthy Sir. 
"I have received your letter of April 8, 1645, and take 
notice that you would have us defer our meeting till the Elders 
in the Bay may come hither, and that our members (as I 
understand it) may be catechised concerning their work of 
grace ; and that myself may give you satisfaction concerning 
my judgment in Church matters. I answer, that we were not 
advised to any such thing by the Elders at their meeting : — 
further, that the Elders in the Bay did not wish to be present 
at our renewing Covenant, and agree that we are in a Church 
state. The scruple at the meeting was not what we were nor 
what we held in judgment. At Mr Hatherly's house, I gave 
them for myself as much satisfaction as they desired. 

"If I differ from you in judgment, I shall be thankful to any 
of you to show me the light ; and if any of our members be 

* Mr Bulkley was a minister at Marshfield from 1G42 to 1658, at which 
date he removed to Concord, and was successor to his fatiier in 1659. John 
Bulkley, a son of Mr Edward, died in Marshfield 1658. 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 81 

accused by any as not fitting matter for a Church, we are ready 
to hear any complaint in a Church way according to godliness. 
But our work is to manifest our Church Covenant, and to renew 
our Covenant according to advice and counsel. The day is 
appointed, and I conceive the Church is not likely to alter it ; 
if therefore any be pleased to take notice thereof, they may be 
satisfied that we are in a Church state ; and then if any officers 
can reprove us of unsoundness, we shall be ready to hear them 
according to God's word. But sure I am that it cannot be an 
offence to any, that we seek God's favour by fasting and prayer 
and to declare and renew our covenant : and therefore I intreat 
you to rest satisfied in what we are about : and I intreat you to 
signify to Mr Partridge and Mr Rayner what my answer is, as 
soon as you can. 

"Thus commending you to the grace of Christ I remain 

"Yours in all Christian service. 



FAC SIMILE. 



" To the Churches of Christ in Duckesbury and Marshfield.* 

" Scituate, August 19, 1645. 

"Grace mercy and peace be multiplied, he. 
"Beloved Brethren. 

"You may be pleased to understand, that by the 
gracious assistance of God, we purpose on this day fortnight, 
being tuesday the 2d day of Sept. to hold a solemn fast : and 
then we purpose to call our beloved brother Mr Witherell to 
the office of Pastor of our Church. If it please you to send 
any of your brethren to us to be witnesses of our proceedings, 
and help us by their prayers in that work, their presence shall 
be acceptable to us. 

" Our meeting is intended at the house of our brother 
William Hatch. 

"William Vassall, V'' ^,^^ "^"?^, ^"^ 
William Hatch, > by the appointment 
' S ot the Church." 




Mr Richard Blinman from Wales arrived at Boston 1642, (says Winthrop 
11. 04), and went to Green's Harbour. He was the first officiating minister 
at that place — called Rexliam h\ Mr Blinman and his people : but when it 
11 



82 ECCLESIASTICAL, HISTORY. 

Mr Vassall and his friends went steadily but deliberately 
forward in their objects and designs, following the advice of 
the Elders in the Bay, over whom Mr Chauncy seemed to 
have much less influence than over the elders of Plymouth 
patent. Early in 1645, it began to be foreseen that Mr With- 
erell had resolved to yield to the importunities of the Church 
at Sciluate, and to a sense of his own duty, even in the face of 
the opposition of the Elders of Plymouth, and the resolution of 
the Church of Duxbury not to dismiss him and recommend 
him to the Church which desired him for a pastor, and as a 
last effort to defeat these proceedings, several Churches were 
induced to interpose their advice, as it would seem unasked 
by Mr Witherell and his friends. We copy one or two messages 
of this kind from our records. 

"A message to Mr Vassall from the Church of Plymouth. 
By John Cook. 

"Plymouth, April 14, 1645. 

"The Church of Plymouth is of the same mind 
together with the Elders which sent unto you, hoping in charity 
that you will desist upon it, from your present and intended 
proceedings ; but in case you should go on notwithstanding the 
advice given, the Church of Plymouth shall question com- 
munion with you." 

The "calling to office," that is, the ordination of Mr With- 
erell, took place September 2, 1645. It was unquestionably 
performed by the laying on of the hands of the ruling elders of 
his own Church, and perhaps other church members. Mr 
Witherell had been received by the Church as a member, 
without any doubt, notwithstanding the Church of Duxbury, 
as it would seem by Mr Chauncy's influence, refused to dismiss 
him. This was a case which was not provided for, we believe, 
in any of the practical rules of Church order, previous to that 
time, but a case which might happen often again. A member 
of a Church being oppressed in that manner, certainly ought 
to find some remedy for his case : And it is more than proba- 
ble that this very case was one principal cause of that clause in 
the platform providing for such cases. The synod that formed 



was incorporated, called Marshfield. Mr Blinman left Rexham after a few 
months, officiated a short time at Gloucester — then at New London — 
afterward at New Haven — and at Newfoundland 1659, where he was invited 
to settle — but he proceeded to FJn^land, and died in t!ie ministry at Bristol. 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 83 

the platform met the next year, (1C46), and tlie controversy 
here, had agitated both colonies. 

At Mr Witherell's ordination there seem to have been present 
some messengers of neighboring Churches, but we believe they 
were present rather to remonstrate against than to assist in the 
ordination. For example, Josiah Winslow, Esq., afterward the 
Governor, was present as a messenger from the Church of 
Marshfield, and delivered in writing the following message, 
which we find on record. 

"Marshfield, September 2, 1645. 

" The Church at Marshfield advise Mr Vassall and 
the rest to forbear for a time the ordination, till Mr Witherell 
shall have tendered satisfaction to the Church of Duxbury for 
his sudden departure." Whether Mr Winslow, who was a 
magistrate, approved of the message which be brought, or 
otherwise, we know not : but this is certain, that he soon after 
began to attend on ]Mr Witherell's ministry, though living ten 
miles distant, and brought his children hither to be baptized by 
his hand. 

An answer to the Message of the Church of Marshfield. 

" Scituate, September 2, 1645. 
"Rev. and dearly beloved in our Lord. 

" We cannot but with thankfulness acknowledge our 
engagements to you all, jointly and severally, for your advice, 
counsel and countenance heretofore, so now in particular, for 
your assisting us a second tyme, in a further work by our well 
beloved brother your Church's messenger, to whose message 
unto us concerning our brother Mr Witherell's not ivalking 
blamelessly and therefore forbidden by the Apostle to be admit- 
ted into office for the present, we answer : that wherein he can 
be convinced by any present practise, or undeniable precept 
from the word of God, (the only rule of faith and worship), 
that what he hath done hath been done repugnant thereunto, he 
is wilhng with all readiness to submit, and he hath tendered any 
satisfaction to the Church of Duckesbury, by the messenger 
sent unto him, so that he may but hear the call of the great 
Shepherd, Our honoured and well beloved brother Mr Tho- 
mas your fellow member, can confirme you, how submissively 
he gave them satisfaction to the full, when he was last at 
Duckesbury, how he desired a dismission from them, waited 
for it longer than was by some intimated, and after this, again 



84 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

humbly, petitioned, and was yet deferred, without any warrant 

from sacred Scripture, to make him hover in uncertainty. 

We leave to your judgments to consider of the premises. 

Though w'e could say much more, yet if any further light 

could be reached to our brother from the word of life, we 

persuade ourselves he will not dare to close his eyes against 

it. Let it be evidently made manifest by the word, that our 

brother is still a member of them, and then both they and you, 

and all Churches in the Country, to whom he hath by this act 

given offence, grieved their consciences, and scandalized the 

gospel, shall have Christian satisfaction. Thus, dearly beloved 

and affected in the Lord, returning you hearty thanks for your 

Christian, godly and grave advice to us, and carefulness for us, 

we take our leave, and commend you to the grace of God in 

Christ. 

"William Witherell, ^ , ^ , 

William Vassall, l • , . r 

,,r TT >pomtment ol 

William Hatch, [ i, ^, , „ 

m TD the Church. 

IHOMAS KOBINSON, J 

There was a mutual attempt to become reconciled without 
the interference of elders or magistrates in 1649. A confer- 
ence was held December 25th, at the house of Mr Thomas 
Robinson. The agitators on the part of the old Church were 
Mr Timothy Hatherly, Mr Charles Chauncy, Deacon Richard 
Sealis, Humphrey Turner and John Woodfield. On the part 
of the new Church, Mr William Witherell, elder William Hatch, 
Mr Thomas Robinson, deacon Joseph Tilden and John Stock- 
bridge. We find no trace of Mr Vassall in this conference, nor 
subsequently. We know that he had gone in 1648 to England. 
The same accusations were brought forward by Mr Chauncy 
in this conference, that appear in his letter of 22, 12 m. 1642, 
and nearly the same replies made that appear in Mr Vassall's 
letters above. The minutes of that conference are on record, 
but nothing appears in them to throw any further light upon 
the subject in dispute, and nothing worth extracting, unless it 
be an answer of the venerable Mr Hatherly to his own pastor, 
Mr Chauncy, when he brought forward his accusation of schism, 
viz. "it could be no schism, because we had promised them a 
dismission whenever tliey should require it, and sent it to them 
before they did demand it." 

We have many proofs that Mr Hatherly, though he adhered 
to Mr Chauncy, admired his talents, and was his principal 
supporter, was yet often grieved at his hasty and ardent temper. 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 85 

In 1652, another motion towards reconciliation was made as 
follows : 

"Scituate, March 5, 1652. 

"To the Church of Christ in Scituate, whereof the Rev. 
and well beloved Mr Chauncy is Pastor. Grace, mercy and 
peace be multiplied, he. Dearly beloved in our blessed Saviour. 

" Wheras for a long tyme you have stood at a distance from 
us, in the point of Communion in the holy things of God, we 
the Church of Christ in Scituate wherof Mr Witherell is 
Pastor, as yet not knowing what the evil in us is that occasions 
the same, do earnestly entreat you as brethren, in charity you 
would deal faithfully and plainly with us, in discovering to us 
what that evil is that you see in us, which yet unto this day 
occasioneth the distance, so that we may be brought to the right 
way towards God, and give satisfaction- to his people — w^e, not 
doubting that you will deal ingenuously with us, commend you 
to God and the word of his grace. 

"William Witherell, ^ in the name 

Thomas King, ! and with 

Thomas Robinson, [ the consent 

James Torrey, J of the Church.' 

Answer. 

"Scituate, Jan. 30, 1652. 

" To the Rev. and well esteemed Mr William 
Witherell, with the rest of the Society give these. 

"Grace, mercy and peace be multiphed, 8ic. 

" Rev. and Beloved in the Lord. 

"It hath been no small grievance of spirit unto us, 
that there hath been so great and so long a distance between 
you and us in Communion : and there is much cause for 
humiliation before the Lord for it : and we do earnestly desire 
that the Lord would show both you and us a clear way to put 
an end unto it. But we are, many of us, very much in the 
dark about it at present : and all that we answer to your letter 
is this. 

" That your motion that we should deal faithfully and plainly 
with you, in discovering unto you what that evil is that we see 
m you that occasions the distance, were very equal, if nothing 
to the purpose had been done by us before : but now seeing 
after three meetings of the Elders of the Churches, and one of 
them having the presence of the magistrates, and also another 



86 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

meeting of five messengers chosen by each of om- Societies, 
you do still v/rite unto us that you do not yet know what that 
evil is that is in you that occasions the distance, we cannot hope 
to do more nor yet so much as so many Honored &i Reverend 
persons and such as were thought meet for the purpose, have 
endeavored to do already, (as it seems) to little effect. Thus 
desiring you to take in good part this answer of the greater 
company of our assembly, we commend you to him who is the 
Author of peace in all the Churches of the Saints. 
"Yours in the Lord 

( in the name and 
"Charles Chauncy, < with the consent of 
( the greater part." 

Reply. 

"Scituate, July 8, 1653. 

"Grace, mercy and peace be multiplied, &ic. 

" Rev. and well beloved in our blessed Saviour. 

"You may be pleased to remember that some four 
months agone, we presented you with a request, which we 
conceived to be both Christian and pious in the sight of God 
and man, viz. ' that you would deal faithfully and plainly with 
us, in discovering to us what that evil is that you see in us, 
which yet unto this day, occasions that distance in point of com- 
munion.' Since which tyme, we received a letter from your 
Rev. Pastor, subscribed ' in the name and with the consent of 
the greater part,' wherein you intimate your grievance of spirit, 
cause of humiliation, and Ccirnest desire, that the Lord would 
show both us and you, a clear way to put an end unto it: for, 
say you, 'many of us are very much in the dark about it.' 

"As for your grievance of spirit, it hath been the like griev- 
ance of spirit unto us, though we are not conscious of any cause 
of that distance between us, and therefore for our part, we 
do not find any cause of humiliation for it. 

" We cannot but admire at your intimation of the unequal- 
ness of our motion, in desiring to see our sin which occasions 
the distance, for if there had been means used, as you say, to 
convince us of our sin, and we would not be brought to the 
sight of it, yet notwithstanding, when we do manifest our 
willingness to be brought to the sight of it, we judge it an equal 
motion. 

" As concerning those meetings of Elders, whereof one had 
the presence of the Magistrates, which you bring as an argument 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 87 

to prove that there hath been means used to convince us of our 
sin, we acknowledge one of them, viz. that which had the 
presence of magistrates, ahho' we had no hand in procuring 
them, neither did they show us any sin ; but as for the other 
two, we are ignorant of what they met about, or of any sin they 
charged our Church withal. And for the other meeting of five 
messengers of each Society, which you bring as another argu- 
ment to prove that there hath been means used, and the 
unequalness of our motion, you seem hereby to lay a charge 
of unfaithfulness upon our messengers, who brought us intelli- 
gence, that we were cleared of those things which were laid to 
our charge, and that your messengers also seemed well satisfied ; 
and therefore we desire you to make good that charge against 
them, that we may so deal with them, that neither you nor 
we may be guilty of the sin of not reproving our brother. 
Lev. 19. 19. 

"And as for that you say in your letter that 'many of you 
are very much in the dark' concerning the distance between 
us, we much marvel that you should so long debar us from 
communion and yet many of you not know wherefore, especially 
considering that your Rev. Pastor himself hath declared ' that 
he could freely hold communion with as many of our Church 
as he knew,' (at our brother Robinson's wedding). 

" And whereas you manifest an earnest desire that the Lord 
would show both us and you a clear way to put an end to the 
distance, our hearty and earnest desires concur with you ; and 
therefore we do once again, in the bowels of Christ, entreat 
you to answer our former request, or else to refer the difference 
betwixt us to some Elders of other Churches mutually chosen. 
Thus desiring that you will now deal ingenuously and Chris- 
tianly with us, we commend you to the Lord and rest 

"Your brethren in Christ. 

"William Witherell, ^ 

Thomas King, ! by order of 

Eph" Kempton, [the Church." 

Robert Stetson. J 

Note in the margin in Mr Witherell's hand waiting. 

" This letter was read in Mr Chaiinry's Church July IG, 1G53, and the 
Wednesday following we had lightning and thunder and storms and hail- 
stones flung on our innocent heud.^, viz. Acts 10, 20 in the application of the 
doctrine." 

In the autumn of 1654, Mr Chauncy retired from Scituate, 
and we find no further traces of these ecclesiastical troubles, 



88 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

until 1674, when we find on record a formal reconciliation^ 
as follows. 

" To the Rev. Elders and brethren of our neighbour Church 
of Christ in Scituate, grace, mercy and peace be multiplied, he. 
"Scituate, April 1, 1675. 

" Rev. and beloved in our Lord and Saviour. 

"We received a letter from you dated Feb. 18, 1674 : 
a very Christian and loving expression of your minds, inclined 
to remove any just grounds of offence given in a former letter, 
and to desire love and fellowship with us in the holy things of 
God, according to the mind and will of Christ, which we have 
perused and considered with thankfulness to God and due 
respect unto yourselves, and accepted as a pledge of future 
mercy from God, both to yourselves and to us : and we do 
hereby certify you that we are thereby fully satisfied, and do 
willingly and gladly lay aside all former offences taken up, or 
ancient disagreements and differences betwixt us; we desire 
God to forgive you and us whatsoever may have been displeas- 
ing to him. And in that you desire fellowship with us in the 
gospel that we may have communion one with another as the 
Churches of Christ, we do cordially embrace your motion, he. 

" Nicholas Baker, ^ in the name and 
Thomas Clap, > with consent 

John Daman, ) of the Church." 

Thus happily terminated an ecclesiastical controversy of 
thirty-three years. We have made large extracts from the 
documents, because the reader may find in them illustrations 
of the principles of the early settlers, and other useful lessons. 
It is certain that Mr Chauncy held fast his integrity, as he 
called it, and never recognised any other Church in Scituate 
than his own. His letters were addressed to the Society, not 
the Church. The question which was the first Church was 
never settled in form. The last letter of reconciliation which 
we have inserted above, was directed, " to our neighbor Church," 
not to the first or second Church in Scituate. There was 
certainly much plausibility in Mr Vassall's argument that the 
Church of Mr Chauncy were the seceders, and therefore the 
second Church. But principles much more recently settled, 
decide the question otherwise, and very properly; because it 
was conceded that Mr Chauncy's Church and Society together, 
were a majority of "two or three men," and retained the 
Meeting-house. 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 89 

A reconciliation was easily accomplished after Mr Vassall 
and President Chauncy had left the ground. The causes of 
the opposition hetween these two eminent men may partly be 
gathered from the above documents. Mr Vassall often aUudes 
to the uncertainty of the Church state which Mr Chauncy had 
established for himself. He probably held him in less respect 
on account of the well known fact that he had been a Puritan, 
and had made a publick recantation, and again repented of 
that recantation, and fled to this country. Then his prac- 
tice in the seals, in the phraseology of that day, was offensive 
to Mr Vassall's conscience. Mr Chauncy would baptize 
by immersion only, and administer the Lord's supper in 
the evening, and on every Lord's day. Mr Vassall very 
early engaged in controversy with him on these points, as 
credible tradition inform us : but the substance of that contro- 
versy will probably never be recovered. On the other hand, 
Mr Chauncy took offence at Mr Vassall's liberality in admitting 
members to the ordinances, and suspected him of being an 
Episcopalian. We will not attempt to decide this question at 
this late period : we will only remark that the facts of his having 
been an approved member of Mr Lothrop's Church, having 
held a familiar intercourse with such men as Wilson and Elliot 
and Cotton, having also recognized the validity of Congrega- 
tional ordination in case of Mr Witherell, show at least that he 
was no rigid Episcopalian : and we may add, that the Church 
in Scituate, which he laboured nearly twenty years to build up, 
bore no marks of Episcopacy. An exposition of his principles 
in his letter to Mr Wilson quoted above, confirms also these 
remarks. The reader will not fail to remark in the above 
controversy, that the hasty and ardent temper of Mr Chauncy 
often exposed him to his cooler adversary : nor can he fail to 
remark that the whole might have been saved, could they have 
appealed to any settled principles of order in the independent 
Churches, at that time. 

The practice of immersion in the first Church in Scituate was 
unanimously yielded up, after Mr Chauncy retired in 1654, 
and he himself was thenceforth silent on the subject. 

The early Independent or Congregational Churches made a 
distinction in the offices of pastor and teacher : thus we account 
for a debate which seems to have been carried on in Schuate 
in 1644, whether JMr Whherell should be called to the ofiice 
of pastor or teacher. Some Churches, who were able to sup- 
port both, enjoyed the services of both officers : for example, 
the first Church in Boston, in which Wilson was pastor, and 
12 



90 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

Cotton teacher for many years. The Cambridge platform in 
1648, recognizes this distinction, and describes the duty of the 
pastor to attend to " exhortation," and the duty of the teacher 
to attend to "doctrine," he. But this distinction was soon 
found to be without difference enough to be preserved. 

The office of Ruling Elder was also held for a time to be 
authorized by Scripture, as distinct from pastor or teacher or 
deacon. They sometimes officiated as teachers, as the learned 
and devout elder Brewster taught often in the Church of Plym- 
outh, when they were destitute of an official teacher. The 
Cambridge platform recognizes this office, and describes its 
duties: "To attend to admission of members, to ordain officers 
chosen by the Church, to excommunicate obstinate offenders 
renounced by the Church, and to restore penitents forgiven by 
the Church, &ic." The office of Deacon, according to the 
platform, was " limited to the care of the temporal things of the 
Church, the contribution of the saints, &ic." But the distinction 
in these offices was soon yielded. The first ruling elders in the 
first Church in Scituate were Nathaniel Tilden and Henry Cobb. 
Elder Cobb removed to Barnstable in 1639 or 40, and elder 
Tilden deceased in 1641, and no successors were chosen. 
The first deacons in the first Church were Richard Sealis, 
William Gilson and Thomas Besbedge. At the establishment 
of the second Church, Thomas King and William Hatch were 
chosen ruling elders. Elder Hatch deceased in 1651, and no 
successor was chosen. Elder King Hved to 1691. The first 
deacons in the second Church were Thomas Robinson and 
James Torrey. 

It was the practice of the early Congregational Churches to 
elect and ordain all officers, without any reference to the Society, 
and this practice continued so long as the law was in force 
which required church-membership as a qualification for the 
freedom of the Colony, or the right of franchise. Thus in all 
the transactions of electing and ordaining Mr Lothrop in 1634, 
or Mr Chauncy in 1642, or Mr Witherell in 1645, there is no 
mention of any part which the Society bore. But Mr With- 
erell's successor in 1681, was invited to become their pastor, 
first by a vote of the Church, then by a concurrent vote of the 
Society; and then his support was provided for by vote of 
Church and Society in one body. This order of things has 
prevailed in this Town to the present day. Some Churches 
and Societies have lately begun to lay aside this distinction, 
and it may eventually be abolished in all transactions in which 
Church and Society have a common interest and responsibility. 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 91 

The custom prevailed in many Churches, we beUeve, in all 
the New England Colonies, of permitting grand-parents to bring 
their grandchildren to baptism, when the parents were deceased 
or were not visible members of the Church. Thus we see in 
the records of the second Church in Scituate, that in 1655, 
Humphrey Turner brought to baptism a child of his son John 
Turner, jr. The same year also Richard Sylvester brought 
two children of Nathaniel Rawlins, whose wife was Sylvester's 
daughter. In 1656, was baptized "Daniel the son of Daniel 
Pryor, and grandchild to our sister Spring." The same year 
also, "Mary the daughter of John Adams of Marshfield, and 
great grandchild to widow James." But after the above date, 
the custom seems to have been dropped. In Massachusetts 
the elders assembled by order of General Court in 1662, dis- 
countenanced this practice in that Colony, (see their answer to 
questions propounded to them by the Honorable General Court, 
proposition second). 

We believe no ecclesiastical transactions have taken place in 
this Town in more modern times, to which we have not paid 
sufficient attention in our notes on Parishes, and in other parts 
of this w^ork. A history of the gradual changes of rehgious 
sentiments would be both difficult and uninteresting, intermingled 
and often undefined as those sentiments must have been in 
every generation. We may say in general terms, that the 
doctrines preached and held were on the ground of moderate 
Calvinism until about 1750.* Mr Eells in the second Church 
and Society, from 1704 to 1750, often preached the doctrine 
of election, but accompanied it with explanations closely 
bordering on the free will of Arminianism. He was a stout 
opponent of Whitefield, and induced the association in which he 
was a leader, to vote not to admit him into their pulpits, and to 
publish that vote. Since 1750, a majority of the people may 
have been denominated Arminian in their sentiments : and at 
the present time, as names are now used, a considerable ma- 
jority may be termed Unitarian. 

The records of the first Congregational Church are entire 
since the year 1707. All records previously are lost. The 
records of the second Church are entire from 1645 to 1690. 
From that time to 1704, there is a deficiency, Mr Lawson 
having retired somewhat irregularly, and probably carried the 
records with him. From that time, the records are entire to 

* For a representation of the liberal principles of the early pilgrims of 
Plymouth Colony, see Magnalia Vol. 1. p. 58. 



92 



EDUCATION. 



the present, with the exception of several years during Dr. 
Barnes's ministry, the records of which are unfortunately lost. 
The records of the first Church during Mr Lothrop's ministry 
were carried with him on his removal to Barnstable : and these 
records with those of Barnstable, were carried away by some 
of his descendants to Connecticut. President Stiles found 
them in the hands of Rev. Elijah Lothrop of Gilead, Conn, 
in 1767. Holmes's Annals. 



Education. 

It is well known that many of the early settlers in these 
plantations were men of inteUigence and education. It was an 
object of high emulation as well as of religious principle with 
the early Congregational Churches, to be supplied with a 
thoroughly educated ministry : and such, without exception, 
were those pastors who, having been silenced in England, came 
hither to minister to the little flocks in the wilderness : nay, 
men of education and talents were selected for the subordinate 
offices in the Churches. Amongst the first settlers of Scituate, 
(not to mention here their learned pastors), we may name Mr 
Vassall, Mr Cudworth, Mr Hatherly, Mr Gilson, Samuel 
Hinckley, (father of the Governor), Isaac Robinson, (son of Rev. 
John, of Leyden), Anthony Annable, Thomas King, Thomas 
Clap, and others, as men eminently qualified for transacting not 
only the municipal concerns of the settlement, but for taking 
part m the government of the Colony. We may add Edward 
Foster, John Hoar and John Saffin, who were well educated 
lawyers. The next generation suffered, as we may easily con- 
ceive, a considerable privation in the want of the means of 
education, and perhaps the third generation still more. But 
we are happy to find, that though the exigencies of the times 
forbade much attention to education, yet the second and third gen- 
erations were far from being an illiterate race of men : and that the 
sons of the first settlers supplied respectably the places of their 
fathers. As much attention, or more perhaps, than has ever 
since been paid to private education, must have been given by 
that exalted race of men. Professional school-masters were 
few, and there wiis no publick provision for their remuneration. 
Not only the pastors, but other men of learning must have given 
instructions, and almost gratuitously, in their own houses. It 
is known that Mr Chauncy prepared his own sons, and others, 
for college, and also several young men for the ministry, 



EDUCATION. 



93 



between 1640 and 1650. Mr Witherell had been a Grammar 
school-master by profession, before leaving England, and many 
proofs are left of his skill in the languages. B.ut we are without 
data as it respects the schools in Scituate previous to 1677. 
At that date, the Colony passed a law, which we believe may 
be fairly considered as the foundation of the present beautitul 
system of Free Schools in this country. The subject \yas 
commenced in 1663, in the Colony Court, by the followuig 
proposition. "It is proposed by the Court unto the several 
townships in this jurisdiction, as a thing that they ought to take 
into serious consideration, that some course may be taken in 
every town, that there may be a school-master set up to train 
up children to reading and writing." In 1670, "The Court 
did freely give and grant all such profits as might or should 
accrue annually to the Colony, for fishing with nets or seines at 
Cape Cod, for mackerel, bass or herrings, to be improved for 
and toward a free school in some town of this jurisdiction, for 
the training up of youth in literature for the good and benefit 
of Posterity, provided a beginning be made within one year 
after s' grant, &lc." This school was immediately established 
at Plymouth, and was supported by the proceeds of the Cape 
fishery until 1677, when the following change was ordered, viz. 
" In whatever Township in this Government, consisting of fifty 
families or upwards, any meet man shall be obtained to teach 
a grammar school, such township shall allow at least twelve 
pounds, to be raised by rate on all the inhabitants of s^ Town : 
and those that have the more immediate benefit thereof, with 
what others shall voluntarily give, shall make up the residue 
necessary to maintain the same, and that the profits arising 
from the Cape Fishing, heretofore ordered to maintain a 
grammar school in this Colony, be distributed to such towns as 
have such grammar schools, not exceeding five pounds per ann. 
to any town, unless the Court Treasurer or others appointed to 
manage that affair, see good cause to add thereunto. _ And 
further this Court orders, that every such Town as consists of 
seventy families and upwards, and hath not a grammar school 
therein, shall allow and pay unto the next town that hath a 
grammar school, the sum of five pounds, to be levied on the 
inhabitants by rate, and gathered by the constables of ^such 
towns, by warrant from any magistrate of this jurisdiction," &ic. 
The Cape fishery was rented annually for from thirty to 
forty pounds. We observe that in 1680, Robert Stetson ot 
Scituate and Nathaniel Thomas (probably of Marshfield) hired 
the fisherv. We cannot discover that the Town ot Scituate 



94 . EDUCATION. 

availed itself of this bounty of the Court. It continued but 
eleven years: for we observe that in 1689, the rent was appro- 
priated towards the salary of the magistrates; and after the 
union of Plymouth and Massachusetts in 1692, the fishery was 
free, as we believe. The towns of Duxbury, Rehoboth and 
Taunton received the five pounds, a part of the term when this 
court order was in force. 

The first money raised towards supporting a free school in 
Scituate, (at least that appears on record), was a very small 
appropriation in 1700, viz. "The Town desired James Torrey 
to teach children and youth to read and write as the Law 
requireth, and said Torrey consented to make tryall thereof 
awhile, on these conditions, that he be paid 20s in money for 
each and every person sent to school, the parent or master 
engaging to pay fifteen shillings of the s' twenty, the Town 
having agreed to pay the other five shillings for each, and that 
those that send any children or youth to the school, shall pro- 
vide books, pen, ink and paper suitable for their learning as 
aforesayd." 

In 1701, "The Town agreed with Dea. David Jacob to 
keep a reading, writing and grammar school for one year, in 
consideration of the sum of 20£ ; also agreed with the same 
person to build a school house for 20£." It was situated near 
Stockbridge's mill. 

In 1704, "The Town directed the school to be kept one 
third of the year at each end of the Town, and one third in the 
middle." 

In 1711, "The Town voted that the Select men should 
provide but one grammar school, and that to be kept in the 
middle of the Town and not be removed." 

In 1712, "The Town ordered three schools, one in the 
middle and one at each end, appropriating 32£ for that in the 
centre and 16£ each for the other two." 

In 1725, Mr Timothy Symmes was employed as a grammar 
school master. 

In 1733, "The Town voted to allow that part of the Town 
called the Two Miles, 6£ for keeping a school that year." 

In 1765, "The Town voted to raise 10£ toward the support 
of a ' Latin School.' " 

We need only remark, that the Town proceeded gradually 
to increase the expenditures for the free schools, without any 
remarkable change until the law of 1790. The Town had a 
sufficient number of families to be liable under that law to sup- 
port a grammar school during the year, in which school the 



EDUCATION. 95 

Greek and Latin languages should be taught. But that law, 
we believe, was never complied with, according to the intent of 
its framers. An addhional sum was raised, which was presumed 
to be sufficient,* and divided into five parts, and added to the 
money of five school districts, f requiring said districts to be 
furnished with a teacher qualified according to law, for teaching 
the grammar school. Thus the law which, doubtless contempla- 
ted one continuous grammar school through the year, was evaded 
by keeping five granmiar schools two months each, and at the 
same time. This order of things continued until 1827. The 
law of that year has been fully complied with, save in point of 
the high school. This has been evaded in a similar manner to 
that named above. The sum appropriated for free schools has 
been generously raised from $1400 to $2000, but is divided to 
tlie several school districts, and no high school has yet been 
established. The number of school districts since 1816, has 
been eighteen. The number of persons over four years of age 
and under twenty-one, which compose the school list, amounted 
in 1830, to 1342. In 1827, the school district near the second 
Congregational Meeting-house, commenced the custom of di- 
viding their school into two, and placing those pupils who were 
over eight years of age under the care of an instructer, and the 
younger division under the care of an instructress. In 1828, 
the first school district, near the harbour, with two adjoining 
districts, united in building a large and commodious school- 
house, in which all the pupils over fourteen years of age are 
placed under the care of a well qualified instructer. 

We believe that instruction in the languages was given prin- 
cipally by the ministers of this Town previously to 1750. We 
can however name Mr Timothy Symmes and a Mr Fitzgerald 
who taught several years before that date in Scituate and its 
vicinity. We might name Thomas Clap and Joseph Cushing. 
Col. William Turner also, who graduated at Harvard College 
1767, was a teacher by profession, and spent his life in that 
employment, chiefly in this Town. 

It may be a proper appendage to these notes, to subjoin a 
list of such persons as have received degrees at Harvard Uni- 
versity, and who were born in the Town, or resided here, at least 
in their youth. 



* The sum raised previously hiid been for ciauuiinr scliool $133,33, in 
1809, $200. 

i Tlie Town was first divided into sixteen scliooI dislriuts in 1700. 



96 EDUCATION. 

I 

Isaac Chauncy, 1651, minister in Berry street, London. 

Icliabod Chauncy, 1651, physician in Bristol, England. 

Barnabas Chauncy, 1657, a preacher, and died early. 

Nathaniel Chauncy, 1661, minister of Hatfield, Connecticut. 

Elnathan Chauncy, " physician in Boston. 

Israel Chauncy, " minister of Stratford, Connecticut. 

Caleb Cushing, 1692, minister of Salisbury. 

Samuel Mighill, 1704, died early. 

David Turner, 1718, minister of Rehoboth 1721. 

Joseph Bailey, 1719, minister of Weymouth. 

Thomas Clap, 1722, president of Yale College. 

Thomas Clap, 1725, minister of Taunton, and afterward Judge 
Common Pleas in Plymouth County. 

Nathaniel Eehs, 1728, minister of Stonington, Conn. 1733. 

Nathaniel Cushing, 1728, reading law in Boston, died 1729. 

Ephraim Little, 1728, minister of Lebanon, Conn. 

Joseph Cushing 1731, latin school master Scituate. 

Edward Eells, 1733, minister of Middletown, Conn. 

Timothy Symmes, 1733, minister Millington village. Conn. 1 737. 

Samuel Holbrook, 1734, died early, we believe. 

Isaac Otis, 1738, physician in Bridgewater. 

Lemuel Bryant, 1739, minister of Quincy. 

William Cushing, 1751, Judge United States' Court. 

Jonathan Vinal, 1751, a preacher but not settled. 

Joseph Cushing, 1752, died early. 

Charles Turner, 1752, minister of Duxbury, afterward senator 
in Massachusetts. 

Charles Stockbridge, 1754, physician in Scituate. 

Charles Cushing, 1755, clerk of the Courts in Suffolk County. 

Ephraim Otis, 1756, physician in Scituate and Taunton. 

Nathan Cushing, 1763, Judge Supreme Court, Mass. 

Joseph Bailey, 1765, died early, at Chesterfiield. 

Charles Curtis, 1765, deceased in New York. 

Lemuel Cushing, 1767, physician, deceased in the Revol. Army. 

William Turner, 1767, colonel of Militia, and latin school- 
master, Scituate. 

Rowland Cushing, 1768, a lawyer in Maine, Pawnalboro. 

Paul Litchfield, 1775, minister of Carlisle. 

Isaiah Man, 1775, minister of Falmouth. 

David L. Barnes, 1780, U. S. District Judge in Rhode Island. 

Cushing Otis, 1789, physician in Scituate. 

Foster Waterman, 1789, lawyer in Maine. 

Christopher Cushing, 1794, deceased in Scituate 1819. 

Freeman Foster, 1799, physician in Scituate. 



AFFAIRS OF GOVERNMENT. 97 

Jotham Waterman, 1799, minister of Barnstable. 

Anthony Collamore, 1806, physician in Pembroke. 

William T. Torrey, 1806, minister at Canandagua and Plym. 

Benjamin Hatch Tower, 1806, died early. 

Henry S. Wade, 1822, physician in Hanover, died 1829, 

Francis Thomas, 1828, preparing as a physician. 

The above list is probably imperfect, especially in the earlier 
part. We think it highly probable that several persons, born 
in this Town, may have been educated at other Colleges, but 
we pursue the inquiry no further. We will only add, that 
Joseph J. L. Whittemore is now a member at Harvard Uni- 
versity, and Charles Torrey at Yale, Rev. Wm. Collier grad- 
uated at Brown University 1797, and Joseph Litchfield 1773. 

A list of the gentlemen who have practised Law in the Town. 

Edward Foster, one of the first settlers. "> had been lawyers 

John Hoar, who removed to Concord 1659. ) in England. 

John Barker practised subsequent to 1676, a native of Duxbury. 

John Saffin, 1649, and a few years later. 

Thomas Turner, commenced about 1690. 

John Cushing, commenced about 1680. 

John Cushing, jr., commenced about 1725. 

David Little, from iMarshfield, 1708. 

William Cushing, about 1754, died 1810. 

Nathan Cushing", about 1768, died 1812. 

George Little, about 1807, a native of Marshfield, died 181 L 

John Thaxter, 1817, of Hingham, died 1825. 

Ebenezer T. Fogg, 1821, of Braintree. 



Affairs of Government as connected with those 
OF the Town. 

The laws of Plymouth Colony until 1639, had been made 
and executed by the Governor and assistants, the usual number 
of which was seven. These were elected by the whole body 
of freemen assembled at Plymouth annually, in the month of 
March. In 1642, however, the election was changed to the 
first Tuesday in June. The settlers had gone out into so many 
and so distant places, that it was found difficult for a sufficient 
number to attend in the inclement month of March, to give a 
just expression of the public mind at the polls. The Govern- 
13 



98 AFFAIRS OF GOVERNMENT. 

ment having originated in a Pilgrim Church, it was very natural 
that church membership should be made an indispensable 
qualification for a freeman or elector.* In 1636, a fine of three 
shillings was ordered for not appearing at the polls in the annual 
election. The same year it was ordered that eight additional 
assistants should be chosen, " to acte for the whole bodie of the 
Commonweale." Jarnes Cudworth and Anthony Annable of 
Scituate were two of these additional assistants. The fine 
imposed in 1636, was soon found insufficient to secure the 
object, and perhaps inequitable; for in 1638, it was ordered 
and enacted : " Wheras it is inconvenient for the freemen to 
attend the Courts, each Town shall choose two Deputies and 
Plymouth four." This was the origin of the General Court. 
The following is a list of the Assistants, Deputies, &ic. from 
Scituate, from 1632 to 1692, when the Colony was united to 
Massachusetts. 

- Assistants. 
William Gillson, 1632 to 1634, inclusively. 
Timothy Hatherly, from 1634 to 1655, with the exception 

of 1638.t 
William Gillson and James Cudworth, extra assistants in 1636. 
William Gillson and Edward Foster, extra assistants in 1637. J 
Timothy Hatherly and James Cudworth, assistants from 1656 

to 1658.§ 
James Cudworth (having been restored to his proper place by 
Gov. Josiah Winslow, from which Gov. Prince's bigotry 
had for sixteen years excluded him,) was assistant again 
from 1674 to 1680, inclusively, when he was appointed 
agent for the Colony in England. 
After Sir Edmund Andros, whose General Government of 
the New England Colonies commenced in 1686 and terminated 
in 1689, was seized by the people and confined to Castle Will- 
iam, the government of Plymouth proceeded again as usual 
until 1692, and John Cushing was assistant from 1689 to 1691, 
inclusively. 

We will here add that Timothy Hatherly was Treasurer of 
the Colony in 1640: also a Commissioner of the United Colo- 
nies in 1645, 1646 and 1650. And James Cudworth was 
Deputy Governor 1680: also Commissioner one year, viz. 1657. 

* It was yielded up also in proper time. 

t He was elected that year and declined. 

t On account of Pequot War, (see Josiah Winslow). 

i They were then left out fur their lenity towards the Quakers. 



AFFAIRS OF GOVERNMENT. 



99 



Deputies. 



4 



1641. 



AnthonyAnnable) jg3g_4Q_ 
-bdward foster ) 
Edward Foster 
Humphry Turner 
Richard SeaHs ") at the ad- 
John Wilhams I journment. 
Thomas Chambers ) 
Edmund Edenden ) 
Humphry Turner ) j q 
(jreorge Kennck ) 
Thomas Chambers } , ^^o 



Oct. 



1642. 



John Wilhams 
John Wilhams ) • 
George Kenrick ) 
John WiUiams 
Humphry Turner 
Humphry Turner 
John Lewis 
Humphry Turner 
John Williams 
Thomas Chambers 
John Williams 
James Cudworth 
Thomas Clap 
James Cudworth > 
Humphry Turner ) 
James Cudworth 
Robert Stetson 
Edward Jenkins 
John Bryant 
Robert Stetson 
Isaac Chittenden 
Robert Stetson 
James Cudworth 
Robert Stetson 
Lieut. James Torrey 



1644. 



1645-46. 



1647. 



1648. 



1649. 



1650-1-2. 



1653to56. 



1657. 



1658. 



1659' 



1661-62. 



1663-4-5. 



1666-67. 



1669 to '73. 

1074.] aildition- 
al deputy on 
account of a 
prospect of war. 

1675. 



1660. 



James Torrey 
Robert Stetson 
James Torrey 
Isaac Buck 
Robert Stetson 
Isaac Chittenden 
Thomas King 1668 
Robert Stetson ") 
Isaac Chittenden ) 
Robert Stetson ^ 
John Cushina: > 
Isaac Chittenden } 
John Daman ") 
Jeremiah Hatch ^ 
John Cushing } icjr 
John Daman ) 
Capt. John Williams 
Jeremiah Hatch 
Robert Stetson 
John Bryant, sen. 

Jeremiah Hatch 

Jeremiah Hatch 

Samuel Clap 

Capt. John Williams 

Samuel Clap 

John Cushing ") 

Samuel Clap y 

Vacancy under Andros, G. Gov. 

Capt. Joseph Sylvester ) i ^qq 

Jeremiah Hatch \ 

Capt. Joseph Sylvester 

Samuel Clap 

Samuel Clap 

Benjamin Stetson 



J 



in Oct. 



1677-78. 



1680. 



1681 



1682 to 1686. 



1690. 



1691, 



We add a few miscellaneous matters which relate both to 
this Town and the government of the Colony previous to 1692. 



* Capt. Cudworth was rejected by the Court for his lenity to the (luaUers, 
and not allowed to sit. 



100 AFFAinS OF (GOVERNMENT. 

The government of Plymouth Colony transacted all their 
business of legislation in one body, deputies and magistrates 
forming but one board, throughout the whole term of the sepa- 
rate existence of the Colony; and we believe no serious em- 
barrassments ever occurred.* The question was agitated in 
1650. 

In 1636, a committee was appointed by the Court to revise 
the ordinances of the Colony : the committee consisted of four 
of Plymouth, two of Scituate, and two of Duxbury : those of 
Scituate were Anthony Ann able and James Cudworth. 

In 1654, Plymouth Colony set up the form of a government 
at Kennebec : two of the commissioners for this purpose were 
Timothy Hatherly and James Cudworth of Scituate. 

In 1658, Mr Hatherly was authorized to solemnize mar- 
riages. This was done for the accommodation of Scituate, 
Mr Hatherly having declined, or rather having been left out of 
the magistracy. We believe it was a license for that year only, 
because we observe that the people of Scituate for several 
succeeding years were obliged to resort to magistrates in Dux- 
bury and Plymouth, there being no magistrate in Scituate after 
1658, until 1674.f 

In 1665, the Town instructed their deputies "that they 
should move the Court to appoint some man in our Town to 
administer oaths, grant warrants and subpoenas, and to marry 
persons, &c." but we believe the Court passed no order to that 
effect, being determined to punish Scituate for their want of 
assent to the persecution of the Quakers. 

In 1665, though the Town was excluded from any part in 
the magistracy, yet they seemed fully attentive to the common 
weal, as appears by the following instructions to their deputies. 



* In Massachusetts, frequent collisions happened between tlie deputies 
and magistrates, the magistrates claiming a negaiive on the doings of the 
deputies, though sitting in the same body: therefore in 1G43, it was enacted 
" Tiiat liie Deputies and Magistrates should sit in separate bodies and send 
each other their acts, which should not become law without a concurrence." 
Thus each had a negative on the other. Hence our present Senate and 
House of Representatives. 

t Ministers were never licensed to solemnize marriages in Plymouth 
Colony : and in Massachusetts, previous to the union in lGiJ2, the magistrates 
retained this oflice in their own hands with peculiar jealousy. In 1647, the 
Rev. Peter Hobart of Hingham, was invited by one of his own Church, who 
was about to be married in Boston, to accompany him and preach on the 
occasion. But the magistrates being informed of the circumstance, forbade 
it. In their veto, one reason assigned was, " We are not willing to bring in 
the English custom of Ministers performing the solemnity of marriage, which 
Sermons at such limes might induce." (VVinthrop, '2d. Vol. 314). 



AFFAIRS OF GOVERNMENT. 101 

"The Towne instructed their Deputyes to move the Corte 
that the Corte would be pleased to provide that law may bear 
its own charges ; that the plaintiff suing for a juste debte may 
not lose his labour and charges in recovering his own : and 
that likewise the Court would be pleased to consider a greate 
abuse that is amongst us, by paying of juste verdicts with old 
rusty barrels of guns, that are serviceable for no man, unless 
for to work up as old Iron." (Scituate Rec. Vol. 6.) This 
is the first motion that we have noticed, towards our present 
equitable rules of levying costs of Court, and of legal tender. 
Probably Mr Cudworth was the author of it. 

In 1658, the Colony Court for the second time ordered the 
laws to be revised, and for the first time to be published. 
Scituate bore no particular part in this revision, that we can 
learn. Indeed it was done by secretary Morton, by writing out 
a copy for each Town. The copy for Scituate is now extant 
in the Clerk's office.* 

Again in 1671, a committee was raised "to peruse the laws 
and gather up from them or any helps they can get, and com- 
pose therefrom a body of lawes, and present them at the next 
Court for further settlement." This committee consisted of 
Gov. Prence, Major Winslow, Mr Thomas Hinckley, and Mr 
Walley. The volume was printed in 1672, by Samuel Green, 
of Cambridge. But this volume of laws met with objections, 
and in 1673 another committee was raised to make a revision 
and collect further from the written book of laws. The follow- 
ing transactions of the town of Scituate seem to relate in part 
to the new book of laws, and in part to apprehensions of some 
evil to arise to the Colony, from the accession of the capricious 
and tyrannical James the second. 

Scituate, March 11, 1684-5, " The Town being met together 
and being sensible that some changes and alterations may fall 
upon our Colony, and being willing to contribute something to 
the general good, by way of instructions to our Deputies, do 
choose seven men to consider seriously of the premises, and to 
impart their apprehensions to the town before the next General 
Court. The men chosen are Capt. John Williams, Mr John 
Gushing, Jeremiah Hatch, Capt. John Briggs, Samuel Clap, 
Thomas Turner, Isaac Buck, sen." The committee on May 
28th following, reported these instructions to their deputies. 



* It is ill secretary Morton's imnd. The continuation from 1658 to 1665, 
is in Lieut. James Torrey's hand, and from 1665 to 1692, in the hand writing 
of Lieut. Isaac Buck. 



102 AFFAIRS OF GOVERNMENT. 

" Wheras it hath been the Endeavor of this Government for 
the faithful and impartial administration of Justice, to have 
recourse to the good and wholesome laws of England, and that 
no laws or orders of our own should infringe upon or be repug- 
nant thereto ; yet notwithstanding our wilderness condition 
being so unparallelled whh the state and condition of our Native 
Country, and ourselves unacquainted with the laws of England, 
may occasion some orders to be made wherin there may not 
appear so clear a precedent for them in the laws of England, 
as might otherwise have been, we do therefore commit it in 
trust to our Deputies, that the like care be still continued ; and 
that in respect of making any further orders, that they be dili- 
gently compared and revised with the laws of England, in all 
such cases provided ; and that in all civil actions commenced in 
any Court of this Government, if either party produce a known 
Law of England, in defence of his case or his person, it may 
be made publickly to appear that it is the law allowed of in 
this Government as the rule of Justice in all known Cases. 
And wheras there are divers acts and Court Orders yet extant, 
refering penalties to the judgment of the Court, without any 
penalty therunto annexed, that as circumstances may concur, 
it remains in the breast of the Judge to determine after the 
offence is committed, and thus give much ground to disaffected 
persons to entertain jealousy of partiality in Justice, being 
swayed according to affection or disaffection in the breast 
of the Judge towards the party offending, the which particular 
seemeth more than any other to differ from the privilege granted 
to us by the laws of our Nation, the which we leave with our 
deputies to alter, or perfect in that kind what may be already 
begun, hoping through God's goodness, that we may still enjoy 
our precious liberties, granted to us by our Gracious Sovereigns 
King James the first and King Charles the first and second, 
and by charitable constructions hoping to enjoy the like from 
King James the second. We also give in charge to our Depu- 
ties, that due care be taken that we have annually an able 
Secretary in place, and that all Justices in our Colony at each 
Court or Session give to the said Secretary a list of all fines, 
that the Secretary may record them in a Book, that the Depu- 
ties thereby may be able to call the Treasurers to a fair account, 
to the satisfaction of the Colony: and that Justices and all 
inferior officers in the Colony capable by law to receive fines 
by virtue of a known law, be required to give in the fines : and 
this to be annexed to their oaths. And that a clear and fair 
account be annually taken of the Treasurer, and that the 



AFFAIRS OF GOVERNMENT. 103 

Treasurer once in two years, clear and balance all his accounts 
with the Colony : and that the aforesaid Treasurer's effects, 
both real and personal, be liable to suit at Law to satisfy the 
fines made due to the Country ; and that no Treasurer in our 
Colony be capable of sustaining the office, until so cleared with 
the Country ; and die deputies to bring a true account therof to 
their respective Townships." 

In 1673, the Town instructed their Deputies "to move the 
Corte that the Law concerning sending home Deputies may be 
altered, so that we may know what may be the just exception 
against them before our choice." This had reference to the 
new book of laws, and also to the fact that Capt. Cudworth, 
one of the Deputies of Scituate, had been rejected by the Court 
in 1659, as well as some others in tlie Colony. 

May 27, 1686, "The Town being met together and the 
New Book of Laws being read, and being sensible of our 
inability to undergo the Change which this new form will oc- 
casion, and what consequences thereby may accrue, if changes 
shall come, and being desirous to prevent what may be hurtful, 
chose Mr John Cushing, Samuel Clap, Capt. John Williams, 
Cornet Robert Stetson, Jeremiah Hatch, Elder Thomas King 
and Isaac Buck, to draw up our grievances and impart their 
apprehensions to the Town before the next Court." 

The committee reported (at the next meeting. May 27) the 
following instructions to their Deputies : 

" The Town do require their deputies to do their utmost 
endeavor for the repealing or altering such acts or orders as 
they may judge inconsistent with the well being of this Colony 
or Commonweale : and wheras at our last meeting the Laws 
of this Colony being lately revised and printed and published 
at said Town meeting, and upon serious consideration therof 
the Town did apprehend several of said laws or orders to be 
unsuitable to our present condition, and of doubtful consequence 
how they will abide expected changes: as first — The consti- 
tuting of several Counties and County Courts and Regiments 
in this Government, which seemeth to have such influence in 
all manner of actings and transactings, as to alter the frame of 
our ancient Government, presages a threefold augmentation of 
the usual charges belonging to the Government. And it seems 
to deprive if not disfranchise, the freemen of their Hberties, and 
the several plantations of their ancient privileges : wheras before, 
no publick charge could be assessed on the County or any part 
therof, but by their own vote or that of their representatives, it 



104 AFFAIRS OF QOVKRNMENT. 

is now left to the disposition of otliers, without their consent or 
knowledge. 

" Besides, there are several tracts of lands in this Colony suit- 
able for plantations, the purchasers wherof must be greatly 
wronged to be under a distinct power of Government over 
them and their estates, if that government please to raise 
charges on those estates, different from the free tenure on which 
they bought the lands, before these new constitutions creating 
a power in which the owners of those lands had no choice or 
vote, as witness Freetown, Punkateest* and Showamett.f 

" Another inconvenience which they find in this model is, that 
it seemeth to deprive the soldiers of their wonted privileges, 
who being inforced sometimes by unavoidable providence to be 
absent from trainings, in which cases they had liberty of choice 
of such persons as should hear their reasonable defence, which 
is now left in the breast of particular men. This may produce, 
inconveniences on both sides, impoverishing the individual 
without any considerable general profit. 

"Another particular is a burden from which the Town de- 
sires to be relieved : that is, the Act of Court, Chap. 2. p. 6. 
denying any further account to be given or redress to be had, 
or replevin to be obtained against Rates and fines. In which 
Court Order there is no provision made to demonstrate how 
they appear to be just. 

" But in the last place, as that wliicb we conceive doth not 
only allow the reason of what we have said, but also requires 
it at our hands, is the proclamation of our gracious Sovereign 
made known at Plymouth, that ' we should enjoy our ancient 
liberties and privileges as before, not altering customs or Con- 
stitutions, till his royal pleasure be to give farther order,' 
which we understand nothing of as yet. If these particulars 
cannot be granted, we require our deputies to do their endeavor 
that this dissent of our town, be entered on the publick records 
of Court." 

The expected change alluded to in the above transactions 
took place at the close of 1686. Sir Edmund Andros arrived 
with a commission which vested in him and a council nomi- 
nated by the Crown, the government of all the New England 
Colonies. It has generally been stated that he arrived at 
Boston December 29, 1686. If so, there is a mistake in the 
records of Scituate, in the date of the first order in Council 
from Andros. It is as follows : 

* Now Tiverton. I Neck north of Swansev. 



AFFAIRS OF GOVERNMENT. 105 

" By his Excellency the Gov. &£ Council. 
"These are to declare and publish that all Officers Civil and 
Military, and the Officers of his Majesty's revenue, together 
with all duties and imposts, as now settled in this town of 
Boston, and other parts of this Government, are to continue 
tin further order, and all persons are required to conform 
thereto accordingly. 

" Given at the Council House in Boston 
"Dec. 20th, 1G86. 
VERA copiA. " Edward Randolph, Secretary.'' 

"Mr Cushing 

" After due respects, pray be pleased to publish this in 
your town with convenient speed. 

" William Bradford, one of the 
" Council." 

"The above said was published at a Town Meeting in 
Scituate the 20th day of January, 1686-7, 

per me Isaac Buck, Town Clerk."* 

It would be hardly proper in this local history to notice 
further the misrule of Andros and his Council, which lasted 
two years and four months ; we will only remark that we are 
happy in being able to state, that no citizen of Schuate partook 
in his government ; and that of the eight counsellors which were 
selected from Plymouth Colony, seven soon deserted him, and 
Nathaniel Clarke alone adhered to him. Clarke in April 1689, 
was seized and imprisoned by the people of Plymouth, nearly 
at the same time that the people of Boston imprisoned the 
Governor. After the suppression of the tyranny of Andros, 
the government of Plymouth resumed their administration as 
usual, and continued it nearly three years. We extract from 
the records of Scituate, their doings in answer to the advice 
of the Colony Council to resume the usual functions of govern- 
ment. 

May 28, 1689, "The inhabitants of the Town of Scituate 
being met together, agreed as followeth : 

"Wheras the Council held at Plymouth, May 1st, 1689, 
advised the several Towns to provide for a general Election at 
Plymouth, according to former Law and Usage, the Town of 
Scituate accept of the advice, and do address themselves so to 



* Hobavt's Journal records tlie arrival of Andros, "Dec. 20th, 16S6." 
14 



106 AFFAIXIS OF GOVERNMENT. 

do, as their Law and usage was during tlie time of the first 
printed book of Laws, bearing date June 1st, 1G71,* before 
the division of the Colony into Counties, which the Town of 
Scituate declares against." It seems that the new book of 
laws, printed 1672, had hardly been enforced, especially the 
division into Counties, though ordered by the Court to be of 
force in June, 1686. 

The Charter which unites Plymouth and Massachusetts 
Colonies, bears date October 7, 1691. 

The Warrant of Sir William Phipps, Kt., Captain General 
and Governor in chief, in their Majestys' name William and 
Mary, requiring the Town to elect two representatives for "the 
great and Generall Court to be convened at Boston on the 
eighth day of June 1692," bears date May 20, 1692. 

The qualification of electors, according to that warrant was, 
" a freehold of 40s per ann. or other property of the value of 
40£ sterling." 

In pursuance of that warrant the Town chose John Cushing 
and Samuel Clap. The next May the Town chose Benjamin 
Stetson — and a precept being issued to that effect in Septem- 
ber, the Town chose Samuel Clap, as another representative.. 

The following is a list of Counsellors, Senators and Repre- 
sentatives since 1692. 

Counsellors. 

Judge John Cushing, from 1710 to 1729, inclusively — twenty 

years. 
Judge John Cushing, (son of above), from 1746 to 1763 — 

eighteen years. 
Judge Nathan Cushing, 1779 to 1789, from 1802 to 1807. 

Senators. 

Charles Turner, Esq. 1773 and 4, also 1782, 1785, 6, 7 and 8. 
Nathan Cushing, Esq. 1784. 
Cushing Otis, Esq. 1823. 
Samuel A. Turner, Esq. 1831. 



Representatives. 



John Cushing ) j^g^. 
Samuel Clap ) 
Benjamin Stetson 1693. 



Samuel Clap in Sept. 1693. 
Benjamin Stetson 1694. 
Samuel Clap 1695 and 6. 



* Tbis date refers to tlio lime when the revision was ordered. 



AFFAIRS OF GOVERNMENT. 



107 



John Gushing 1G97. 
Nathaniel Clap 1698. 
Samuel Clap 1699. 
Capt. Benjamin Stetson 1700. 
John Cushing, jr. 1701. 
Thomas King 1702. 
Samuel Clap 1703, 4 and 5. 
John Barker 1706. 
Samuel Clap 1707, 8 and 9. 
Joseph Otis, Esq. 1710. 
Thomas Turner 1711. 
John Barker 1712. 
Joseph Otis, Esq. 1713. 
Samuel Clap 1714 and 15. 
Thomas Turner 1716,17&;18. 
John Barker 1719. 
Stephen Clap 1720. 
James Cushing 1721,2, 3&i4. 
Thomas Bryant 1725. 
Maj. Amos Turner 1726, 7 & 8. 
James Cushing 1729, 30 & 31 . 
T. Bryant, extra session, 1730. 
Amos Turner, Esq. 1732. 
Thomas Bryant 1733 and 4. 
John Cushing, Esq. 1735, 6 

and 7, (3 gen.) 
Nicholas Litchfield 1738, 39, 

40 and 41. 
Thomas Clap 1742. 
Capt. Caleb Torrey 1743. 
Thomas Clap 1744. 
Cap. Caleb Torrey 1745 to 49. 
Thomas Clap, Esq. 1750. 
Ensign Otis 1751, 2 and 3. 
Thos. Clap, Esq. 1754,5^6. 
Joseph Cushing, Esq. 1757. 
Thomas Clap 1758 to 65. 
Gideon Vinal 1766 to 1774. 

Congress at Salem Oct. 1774. 
Nathan Cushing, Esq. ^ 
Gideon Vinal > 1774. 

Barnabas Little ) 

Congress at Watcrto\vn, 
May 31, 1775, 
Nathan Cushing, Esq. 



1777. 



Congress at Cambridge, Feb- 
ruary 1775, 
Nathan Cushing, Esq. ) ^^^r 
Barnabas Little, Esq. ^ 

Representatives continued, 
Nathan Cushing, Esq. 1775 k.(5. 
Maj. WiUiam Turner 
Nathan Cushing, Esq. 
Israel Litchfield 1778. 

Delegates to Convention at 

Cambridge to prepare a 

Stale Constitution 1779, 

Wm. Cushing, Esq. ^ V. Pres. 

Israel Vinal, Esq. > 

Wm. Turner, Esq. ) 

Representatives continued, 
William Turner, Esq. 1779. 
Rev. Charles Turner > ^ ^q„ 
aniel Uaman ) 

Convention to ratify State 
Constitution 1780, 
Daniel Daman. 

Representatives continued, 
Enoch Collamore 1781 and 2. 
Israel Vinal, Esq. 1783 and 4. 
Capt. Daniel Litchfield 1785. 
Israel Vinal, Esq. 
William Turner, Esq. 
Capt. Enoch Collamore 1787. 
Convention to ratify the Fed- 
eral Constitution, Jan- 
uary 1788, 
Delegates. 
Hon. William Cushing "^ 
Hon. Nathan Cushing > 
Hon. Charles Turner ) 

Representatives continued, 
Capt. Joseph Tolman, 1788, 9 

and 90. 
Israel Vinal, Esq. 1791. 
Hayward Pierce, Esq. } , ^^.^ 
Elijah Turner, Esq. ^ 
E. Turner, Esq. 1793 to 1802. 
Charles Turner, jr., Esq. 1803. 
Elijah Turner, Esq. 1804, 



1786. 



108 



AFFAIRS OF GOVERNMENT. 



1809. 



Charles Turner, jr., Esq. 1805 
Charles Turner, ^ 

jr., Esq. V 1806,7,8 

Enoch CoUamore ) 
Cushing Otis, Esq. 
Hayvvard Pierce, Esq. 
Edward F. Jacob, ^ 

Esq. W810,ll 

Jesse Dunbar, Esq. ) 
Cushing Otis, Esq. 
Hayward Pierce, Esq 
Elijah Turner, Esq. 
Micah Stetson 1815. 
Charles Turner, Esq 
Jesse Dunbar, Esq. 
Micah Stetson ) 

Charles Turner Esq. 1817. 

Vacancy 1818 and 19. 
Edward F. Jacob, Esq. 1820. 




1816. 



William Peaks 1821. 

Vacancy 1822. 
Charles Turner, Esq. 1823. 
John B. Turner, Esq. 1824, 5. 

Vacancy 1826. 
Jesse Dunbar, jr. Esq. 
Samuel Deane 
John B. Turner, Esq. 
Samuel Tolman, Esq. 

Vacancy 1830. 
John B. Turner, Esq. 
Samuel Tolman, Esq. 
Eben. T. Fogg, Esq. ) 

Convention for revising 
State Constitution in 1820. 

Delegates. 
Charles Turner, Esq. 
John Collamore, Esq. 
Jesse Dunbar, sen., Esq. 



1827,8. 



1829. 



1831, 



the 



The Town chose a Delegate to the Congress that convened 
at Concord 1779, on the subject of the depreciated currency, 
viz. William Turner, Esq. and instructed him "to use his 
influence that an agreement should be made through all the 
towns, that the necessaries of life should not bear a higher price 
than at present, but not to appreciate the currency as Boston 
recommends." 

At the close of the French war in 1760, the Town seems to 
have been at considerable charge in supporting the French 
people who had been distributed amongst the towns, and the 
selectmen not having their full account allowed by the Provin- 
cial Government, applied to the Town for the balance ; it was 
refused by the Town " as the proper Charge of the Province." 

In 1768, the Town instructed their Representative "to 
do his endeavor that the Excise be laid on spirituous hquors." 

In 1787, the Town chose a committee " to consult of the 
general good, and to prepare instructions for their Represen- 
tative." 

Israel Sylvester, Barnabas Little, Capt. Elisha James, Capt. 
Enoch Collamore, Elijah Turner, Esq., James Briggs, Joseph 
Benson, Constant Clap, Eli Curtis, Capt. Samuel Stockbridge 
and Joseph Nash, committee, reported the following instructions : 

"At this critical and alarming period, it may not be un- 
welcome to you that your Constituents communicate to you 



AFFAIRS OF GOVERNMENT. 109 

their sentiments. While our Constitution remains unchanged, 
as ordained by the People in the civil Compact, it is the indis- 
pensable duty of every citizen to support it. At the same 
time, there are grievances, as we conceive, under which the 
people of this Commonwealth labour, which we would instruct 
you, at the next Sesion of General Court, to endeavor to redress. 
At a time when the people feel themselves heavily pressed 
with public debt, wisdom, policy and justice demand, that 
every possible means, consistent with justice and reputation, be 
devised for their relief. You will therefore endeavor to render 
the salaries of all public Officers, suitable to the abilities of the 
people. It cannot be supposed that infant States, however 
fair and promising their prospects, should launch into the 
expence and pomp of old and affluent Nations, but that such a 
state must rise to respect, by a conduct suitable to its situation, 
circumstances and abilities. You will therefore, on investiga- 
tion, endeavor that such retrenchments be made and such 
regulations be adopted, as the reputation of our Republican 
Government, connected with present circumstances, renders 
most necessary. And in order to ease the people, as much as 
possible from direct taxation, we think proper to instruct you, 
to use your endeavor, that excises may be laid on superfluities 
and articles of foreign luxury, and such domestic articles as 
are not nesessaries of life, and especially on those unnecessary 
articles of foreign produce, that lure to luxury and dissipation. 

"And wheras, we believe there are some people in this 
Commonwealth, so blind to the common good as to use their 
endeavors that a paper currency be emitted by this Govern- 
ment, believing as we do, that a more fatal Engine of injustice 
and mischief (in our present circumstances) could not be de- 
vised, you will remember that you are instructed by your 
Constituents to oppose it. 

"And as without the establishment of publick credit and 
confidence, a Nation must soon fall to contempt and ruin, you 
are to endeavor, to the utmost of your power, for their recovery 
and reestablishment, by maintaining public honor, honesty and 
justice. 

" You are also to use your endeavor that a law may be made 
by this General Court, empowering Towns to raise money by 
taxing polls and estates, for the purpose of encouraging men to 
enhst in the State or Continental service, whenever called for 
by the Government, and providing that military officers shall 
not detach men from the companies, in such Towns as will 



110 MUNICIPAL REGULATIONS. 

seasonably procure their proportion of men in a more equitable 
way, by encouraging them to enlist." 

In 1799, the Town instructed their Representative to use 
his influence in General Court "to obtain a repeal of the 
House and Land Tax :" and again, as times and circumstances 
changed. In 1808, the Town petitioned to the President of 
the United States that he would "suspend or modify the 
Embargo Law." 



Municipal Regulations. 

We have noticed the manner of dividing the lands under a 
distinct head, in the first part of this work. 

Select men were chosen in 1636, and they continued to 
manage nearly all the concerns of the Town, save the laying 
out of lands until 1667, when Overseers of the Poor, as distinct 
from the selectmen, were first chosen. The selectmen had the 
sole control of the schools until 1790, except occasionally one 
or two were added as a committee. The first selectmen 
were The first 

overseers of the poor were Thomas Clap and Charles Stock- 
bridge, 1667. Before this time the poor had been disposed of 
to such as would engage to take care of them, in publick Town 
meeting. 

In 1667, "The Town did enact, that if any person should 
entertayn any stranger, after being admonished by a committee 
chosen for such purpose, he should forfeit and pay 10s for each 
week." The preamble of this law runs thus : " Wheras some 
persons out of their owne sinister endes and by-respects, have 
too aptly been harborers or entertayners of strangers coming 
from other townes, by which meanes the Towne cometh to be 
burdened, &;c." At the same meeting the Town declared by 
their votes, " that IVIr Black should depart the Towne presently." 
In what manner he had become burdensome or dangerous does 
not appear. We believe he was a preacher. 

In 1670, "The Town did agree that the Selectmen should 
be moderators in the Town meetings the present year ; and if 
any person shall speake after silence is commanded, without 
leave from any two of the moderators, he shall forfeit 6d for 
each offence." 

In 1665, "Wheras the Court did require, that every Town 
should have two wolf Traps, and the Town did conceive that 
there were Traps in the Town that would answer the Court's 



MUNICIPAL REGULATIONS. Ill 

order, therefore the Town did agree with Thomas Woodworth 
to tende them, and Thomas Woodworth did agree to baite 
them and tende them according as the Order of the Court dodi 
require, and the Town is to aUow him 10s for this year besides 
the pay for the woh^es there killed." 

In 1668, "The Town did agree and conclude that if any 
man did cut any thatch on the North River flats, before the 
15th day of August, he should forfeit 10s per day or part of a 
day to the Town's use :" also, " The Town did agree and 
conclude that if any man did cut more thatch in one day than 
would load three canoes, he should forfeit 40s to the Town's 
use." It is probable that many buildings and perhaps some 
dwelling-houses were covered with the sedges of the flats at 
this date. 

In 1690, the Town chose Thomas Woodworth "Clerk of 
the market," and annually to the same office till 1711. In 
1712, the same person was chosen "sealer of weights and 
measures," which we therefore understand to be but another 
name for the same office. 

In 1696, "The Town did enact, that every householder 
should kill and bring in six black birds yearly, between the 
12th and the last day of May, on the penalty of forfeiting for 
the Town's use 6d for every bird short of that number." 

In 1728, " The Town allowed as a bounty for each full-grown 
wild cat killed within the Town, 30s, and for each young one 
10s. John Dwelly and David Hatch received the bounty that 
year. 

In 1739, "The To\vn chose Capt. John Clap and Samuel 
Clap to prosecute the law relative to the preservation and in- 
crease of deer." Capt. John Clap was chosen annually for the 
same purpose until 1775 — and Constant Clap was chosen 
annually afterward until 1784. 

We have made this miscellaneous selection, for the purpose 
of noting the progress of settlement. 

The records of the Town are generally in a good state of 
preservation. A book of the laying out of lands commences 
in 1633: but we believe these records were transcribed out of 
an older book in 1636, which former book is lost. The 
records of Town proceedings are lost previous to 1665, since 
which time they are perfect. 

The first records before 1636, appear to be in the very 
beautiful hand of Mr William Vassall : there being no Town 
clerk until 1636: occasionally the more beautiful hand of 
Edward Foster appears. 



112 



CHARITIES. 



The following is a list of the Town Clerks. 



Richard Garrett, 1636 to 39. 
Lieut. Jas. Torrey, 1639 to 44. 
Richard Garrett, 1645 to 49. 
Lieut. Jas. Torrey, 1650 to 64, 
Lieut. Isaac Buck, 1665 to 95, 
Dea. J. Torrey, 1695 to 1701. 
James Gushing, 1702 to 1706 
Dea. Jas. Torrey, 1707 to 1 4. 
James Gushing, 1715 to 18. 
John Gushing, jr., 1719 to 44. 
Thomas Glap, 1745. 
John Gushing, jr., 1746 to 78. 
James Briggs, 1779 to 93. 



Gharles Turner, jr., 1794 to 98, 
Augustus Glap, 1799. 
Gharles Turner, jr., 1800. 
Augustus Glap, 1801 to 1805. 
James Briggs, 1806 and 7. 
Gharles Turner, 1808 and 9. 
Augustus Glap, 1810. 
Eben. Bailey, sen., 1811 and 12. 
Augustus Glap, 1813 to 15. 
Anson Bobbins, 1816 to 23. 
Ebenezer Bailey, 1824, and 
now in office. 



Gharities. 

In 1721, "The Town, considering the distressing circum- 
stances of the poor people in the Town of Boston, by reason of 
the present sickness of the small pox, agreed to advance the 
sura of 60£* in Bills of credit, to be sent to Gol. Samuel 
Gheckley, Mr Daniel Oliver and Dea. Samuel Marshall, to be 
distributed for the relief of the poor." 

In 1779, "The Town voted to support the poor of the Town 
in one house, under an overseer." If this was carried into 
effect, it was not repeated the next year. 

In 1792, "The Town voted that a Hospital should be pro- 
vided for inoculation with the small pox, with leave to inoculate 
two montlis." The hospital was provided at Benjamin James's 
house, on the south-east of Golman's hills. All suitable pre- 
cautions were directed : but the infection went abroad into 



* This sum in bills of credit, was, at that time, equal to the same amount 
in lawful money. The first emission of bills of credit by the Massachusetts 
Government was ordered in 1720, (£50,000). This wns proportioned 
amongst the towns, to be loaned, and the interest paid to the State. John 
Cushing, jr. and Capt. Samuel Turner were appointed trustees of the sum 
received by Scituate 1721. They loaned the money at six per cent in £20 
notes. Many of the towns loaned at five per cent or under, according as 
they found a demand for the money. In 1728, £60,000 more were issued. 
Major Amos Turner, Thomas Bryant, Esq., Jolin Cushing, jr., Esq., trustees 
in Scituate. Tliis currency became so far depreciated, about 1750, that the 
rate of reckoning was 45 shillings, old tenor, equal to the dollar, and 50 shil- 
lings equal to the French crown. The Continental currency is well remem- 
bered, when in 1787 $2000 was worth but $30 in specie. 



CHARITIES. 113 

several families, viz. those of Jonathan Hatch, widow Nichols 
and John Bray.* An action was commenced against Drs. 
Ephraim Otis, Gushing Otis and Samuel Barker, for breach of 
bond for faithful discharge of duty, Stc, but after the panick 
which had seized the people was a little calmed, the action 
was withdrawn. The hospital was continued about two years 
instead of two months, as proposed at first. 

In 1817, an auxiliary Society for the suppression of intem- 
perance was established. That Society holds an annual meet- 
ing, and has a publick discourse annually. Their annual 
meeting was at first in May — afterward for several years on 
the 4th of July — and since 1826, on the first of January. 
The favorable influence of this association has been manifest. 
It is due to Mr Joseph Tolman, to record that he originated 
this Society. 

In 1816, the Town chose the selectmen a committee to 
procui-e some person to vaccinate, and voted to allow such 
person six cents out of the Town treasury, for every person 
vaccinated. There was a pretty general vaccination effected 
by Drs. Otis, James and Foster. 

In 1818, the Town voted to establish an alms-house. A 
purchase was made of a house on the north side of the common 
at Herring brook hill. Th^ house had been erected by Capt. 
Lane, afterward of Walpole, Mass. had been owned and occu- 
pied by Capt. Silas Morton, afterward of Pembroke, and by 
George Little, Esq. deceased,, and by Josiah L. James, now of 
the city of New York. The original purchase was |i*l,100. 
The house was enlarged and furnished, and the whole cost 
amounted to something more than ^3000. In October 1820, 
this house was burnt by an incendiary, John Woodward, an 
Irishman, being moved to this crime by the circumstance that the 
overseers of the poor had taken his wife, whom he had cruelly 
treated, and placed her in the alms-house. He was convicted and 
sentenced to the State prison for ninety-nine years. He died 
in the prison in 1828. The house was rebuilt on the same 
spot in 1821, with additional buildings and enlarged accommo- 
dations in lands, &ic., at a cost of more than ^MOOO. We can 
state in general terms, that the saving in supporting the poor in 
an alms-house since 1818, has more than covered all these 



'" There died of tlic small pox iti Scituate, in 1702 and 3 — David Nash, 
Charles Clap, Paul Otis' child, widow Daman, Thomas Holmes, Mary Nash, 
widow Chittenden, Thomas Webb, Stephen Wade, Jului Daman, John 
Stetson, and Kcuben, a man of colour. 

15 



114 PUBLICK GROUNDS. 

expenses. The establishment is luider the general control of a 
board of overseers, which meets once a month, and under the 
particular care of a master. Mr James Barrell was the master 
from 1818 to 1829. Capt. Ebenezer Bailey from 1829 to 
the present time. 

We subjoin here a list of the physicians who have been the 
principal practitioners. And it is necessary to remark, that for 
nearly a century, the ministers were the physicians here, as 
they were elsewhere. We find no notice of any other practice 
previous to 1700, save that a Dr. Chickering, from Massachu- 
setts we believe, was occasionally called to this place, and 
particularly by Deacon Joseph Tilden, as early as 1670. 
President Chauncy practised extensively for about fifteen years. 
The first regularly bred physician was Dr. Isaac Otis, who 
commenced practice in 1719, (see Family Sketches). 
Dr. Benjamin Stockbridge commenced before 1730, (see as 

above). . > 

Dr. James Otis, son of Dr. Isaac, commenced about 17G0. 
Dr. Ephraim Otis, Harvard College 1756, practised several 

years in Taunton, and afterward in Scituate, where he 

died 1814. 
Dr. Charles Stockbridge, son of Dr. Benjamin, about 1765. 
Dr. Samuel Barker, about 1787, since removed to Pembroke. 
Dr. Cushing Otis, Harvard College 1789, commenced 1792. 
Dr. Freeman Foster, Harvard College 1799, commenced 1802. 
Dr. David Bailey, a native of Hanover, commenced 1796. 
Dr. Peleg Ford of Marshfield, commenced 1805, died 1812. 
Dr, Elisha James, commenced 1808. 

Dr. Milton Fuller, from New Hampshire, commenced 1826. 
Dr. Charles Stockbridge, practised in Boston 1815, and a few 

years after in Scituate. 
Dr. Caleb Marsh, a native of Hingham, practised a few years 

about 1792. 



Public Grounds. 

The Town early reserved several landings on the North 
River, most of which are still used as such. The beaches 
from the third cliff eastward to the river's mouth, have been 
defended from waste, by repeated acts of the Town, forbidding 
the removing of stones, Sec. Two landings at the Harbour 
have been preserved by the Town, and frequently surveyed, 



PUBLICK GROUNDS. 115 

for the purpose of keeping their bounds. One of these is at 
the creek below the bridge, the other between WilUam James's 
dock and the creek that marks the bounds of the WilUams, 
aHas the Barker farm. These came into the Town's possession 
in 1704, at the time when the Conihasset partners surrendered 
their highways, &;c. to the Town. There has been a town 
landing at Union Bridge from 1645, when a ferry was kept at 
that place by Bisbee. 

At the Chittenden place, formerly called Job Randall's 
building place, or ship-yard, one mile above Union Bridge, is 
a town landing which has been surveyed and the bounds renew- 
ed, for the last time 1799. 

In 1699, "the Town ordered that the undivided land lying 
between the Country road and Daniel Turner's and the Bars- 
tows land and the N. River should lie for common for the 
Town's use." This was at North River bridge, we believe : 
and may have been sold or appropriated since, though we have 
not met with the conveyance. It is now in the town of Hanover. 



Burying Grounds, Meeting-house lots and 
Training fields. 

There was a Meeting-house lot and burying ground reserved 
by the first setders, before 1633. It was in "Meeting house 
lane," so called, in the earliest records that are preserved. This 
was the earliest of course, and the place where the pilgrims 
worshipped, and the place where they he. It is a reproach to 
their descendants that it is suffered to lie an exposed common. 
This place is about three fourths of a mile from the harbour in 
a southerly direction. 

The second Congregational Society commenced a burying 
ground in 1644, near their Meeting-house, (see Notes on Par- 
ishes). Here were buried the earliest generations of the 
Cushings, the Kings, the Torreys, the Hatches, the Robinsons, 
with Mr Witherell their first pastor. 

In 1673, the Town paid their high respect to General Cud- 
worth, by granting him a family burying ground, as follows : 
"Feb. 26, 1673, it is agreed that Mr Cudworth has granted to 
him four rods and an half of land, on the south side of the 
meeting house, to fence in for a burying place, and for a place 
to set a horse, which land is to be from the stone wall north- 
ward, one rod and dn halfe for the breadth of it, and to be in 
lengthe three rods." This place may now be easily discerned 



116 PUBLICK GROUNDS. 

by tracing the foundation of the old Meeting-house. There arc 
several graves on the spot, but the grave stones are rough 
and unlettered. These are doubtless the graves of the wife 
and some of the children of that venerable man. He died 
in England. 

In 1G80, the second religious Society commenced a burying 
ground, near their then new Meeting-house on Timothy Fos- 
ter's land, a half mile north of Union Bridge. This was Soci- 
ety's land, as we believe. 

In 1699, the Conihasset partners laid out a burying place 
"between the land of Thomas Hiland and John Pierce, with a 
way to the Country road to said burying place, not to exceed 
half an acre." Conihasset Rec. p. 32. This is now used by 
many families in the north-west part of the Town. 

In 1707, the Town granted leave to the Church and Society 
up river, to set their Meeting-house on the Town's commons. 
In 1725, the Town laid out a piece of land on "herring 
brook hill, ibr the accommodation of the southerly Meeting 
house, a burying place, training field and other special uses." 
The same year a burying place and training field was laid out 
nearly opposite to " Meeting house lane," and east of the " Buck 
field." This is now used for these purposes. The same year, 
ten acres near drummer Setson's (Samuel) for a burying place 
and training field. This is the place where the Episcopal 
Church first stood. 

In 1804, the Town chose a committee to examine and re- 
port, how much land near the south jNlceting-house, it was proper 
to fence in with the burying ground. The fencing was not 
accomplished until 1828, when it was done at the expense of 
the south Parish. 

Besides these public burying grounds we may mention that 
of the Wanton family, on the west bank of the North River, 
near the ancient residence of the family, a few rods to the 
north-east. No lettered stone is seen there. The family tomb 
of John Cushing of the second generation to the present time, 
may be seen on " belle house neck." 

The family of Dr. Stockbridge have a tomb on their ancient 
place, thirty rods north-east from their venerable mansion. 
Another branch of the Stockbi-idge family has a tomb at Mount 
Blue, where three generations of the family are laid. The 
family of the late Mr Joshua Bryant has a tomb on their place. 
And there is a burying ground of the family of Bowker near 
" burnt plain," where several generations have been buried. 



MILITARY AFFAIRS. 



117 



Bills of Mortality. 

The average number of deaths may he forty-five per annum. 
The climate must be considered heaUhy, in which so many 
persons reach to an advanced age. For the want of accurate 
,.o^.^,.ri<= wp nrp nnahlfi tn .q-ive manv instances of longevity. 



records we are unable to give many instances 



Isaac Randall died 1759, aged 101. 
Widow Jane Palmer d. 1810, a. 101. 
Isaac Stetson d. 1811, a. 02. 
Israel Sylvester d. 1812, a. 95. 
Widow Sarah Clap, d. 1812, a. 91. 
Widow Zeporah Randall d. 1815, a. 97. 
Wid. Deborah Sylvester d. 1815, a. 96. 
Widow Mary Brooks d. 1818, a. 101. 
Hagar (color) d. 1821, a. 94. 
Widow Hette Young, d. 1821, a. 91. 
Rose (color) d. 1823, a. 97. 
David Dunbar d. 1823, a. 93. 
Lucy Whiton (color) d. 1825, a. 100. 
Widow Thankful Otis d. 1826, a. 91. 
Edmund Bowker d. 1827, a. 94. 



Widows Mch. Jackson d. 1627, a. 92. 
James Barrell d. 1827, a 99 1-2. 
Widow Eliz. Briggs d. 1828, a. 92. 
Wid. Experience Stetson d. 1829, a. 92. 
Mary Clap d. 1829, a. 91. 
Widow Sarah Bourn d. 1829, a. 91. 

There are now living 
James Briggs aged 96. 
Reuben Bates a. 95 3-4. 
Widow Mary Ellmes a. 93. 
Seth Stodder a. 91. 
Lathrop Litchfield a. 90. 
Widow Grace Totnian (now of Brook- 
field) a. 99. 



Military Affairs. 

In 1638, William Vassall and William Hatch were appointed 
by the Colony Court " to exercise the people in arms at Scit- 
uate." The year previous had been one of military operations 
against the Pequots, and a greater attention to discipline was 
now commenced. The part which Scituate bore in the war of 
1G3T, we have not ascertained with much accuracy. The 
order of the Colony Court relating to that war, is as follows : 
" It is enacted that the Colony of New Plymouth shall send 
forth ayd to assist them of Massachusetts Bay and Connecticut, 
in their warres against the Pequin Indians, in reveng of the 
innocent blood of the English which the s' Pequins have shed 
and refuse to give satisfaction for."* We believe that this 



* The alarm excited by the Pequot War, led to the union of the Colonies, 
often. referred to in this work. There was an informal union m lOob : but 
in September 1643, articles of confederation were .signed at Boston, by 
Commissioners from Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut and ^ew Haven 
Colonies. In 1662, Connecticut and Mew Haven were united in one Colony. 
The Commissioners chosen annually, held annual meetings at Boston, 
Plymouth, Hartford and New Haven, in rotation (with the exception tliat 
they met twice in succession at Boston) until 1664. The meetings wei-e 
afterwards triennial, and continued to 1686, when the Charters were cancel- 
led, and Andros was appointed by the crowu General Governor. 



118 MILITARY AFFAIRS. 

expedition was conducted principally by voluntary enlistment ; 
and we notice in the list of volunteers for this Colony, Lieut. 
William Holmes, George Kenrick and Henry Evvell, who were 
Scituate men : Lieut. Holmes however resided mostly at 
Plymouth. 

Li 1G43, the Colony Court ordered a list of the men liable 
to bear arms that year. The list of Scituate men lial)le to bear 
arms thai year, embraced " John Hoar, John Williams, jr., 
Isaac Chittenden, Peter Collamore, Isaac Buck, Walter Hatch, 
William Curtis, Richard Curtis, Joseph Tilden, George Sutton, 
Simon Sutton, Ephraim Kempton, George Moore, John Vassall, 
William Peaks." By what rule these were liable to bear arms 
tliat year, we have not ascertained : it is probable, however, 
that many were exempted that year on account of former 
services. The same year we observe in the Colony Census, 
that there were in Scituate males over sixteen and under sixty, 
one hundred. Scituate had suffered a great deduction from 
her inhabitants in 1639 and 40: for we observe in the list of 
those liable to bear arms in Barnstable in 1643, "Richard 
Foxwell, Barnard Lombard, Thomas Lombard, Samuel Hinck- 
ley, Thomas Hinckley, William Crocker, John Russell, John 
Foxwell, Thomas Blossom," who were Scituate men three 
years before. 

In 1652, Scituate was made "a military discipline," by act 
of Court, and officers commissioned, viz. James Cudworth, 
Capt. ; John Vassall, Lieut, and Joseph Tilden, Ensign. 

That a military discipline was not created earlier in Scituate, 
was owing to the great removal to Barnstable, above alluded 
to. Plymouth, Duxbury and Marshfield had been made military 
disciplines in 1642. 

A council of war had been occasionally held previous to 
1653, but in that year it was regularly established by law, and 
its duties pointed out. This council consisted of eleven, of 
which number Scituate always furnished a large part. We 
observe in 1665, "Cornet Robert Stetson, Serj. John Daman, 
Mr Isaac Chittenden, Edward Jenkins, and Lieut. Isaac Buck." 
The veteran Cornet continued in the council of war until 1682. 

In 1654, in the expedition ordered against the Dutch at 
Manhatoes (New York) l)y the Commissioners of the United 
Colonies, under Major Robert Sedgwick of Massachusetts, 
Plymouth Colony enlisted and impressed sixty men, to be 
commanded by Capt. Miles Standish, Lieut. Matthew Fuller, 
and Ensign Hezekiah Hoar. Mr Hoar had then removed 
from Scituate to Taunton. 



MILITARY AFFAIRS. 119 

In 1G58, a troop of horse was ordered by the Court, to be 
raised. Scituate was to furnish four men. Robert Stetson 
was appointed Cornet of that troop. 

In 1666, the mihtary of Scituate elected their officers, and 
made return to the Colony Court for ratification, viz. James 
Cudworth, Capt., and Michael Pierce, Lieut. The Court 
returned an answer as follows: "As to Mr Cudworth it is 
directly against the advice of the Court, and as to Mr Pierce, 
he is a stranger to us : therefore Serj. John Daman is directed 
to take the command till further orders." The reader should 
be apprised that INIr Cudworth having been Captain in 1652, 
had also-been deprived of his commission in 1659, on account 
of his opposition to the rigorous laws against the Quakers: 
hence the jarring between the military of Scituate and the Colony 
Court. They returned their best man for the approbation of 
the Court, although they had previously been admonished to 
the contrary. The matter Avas accommodated in 1669, and 
Mr Pierce with whom the Court had now a better acquaintance, 
as it would seem, was commissioned as Captain, Isaac Buck 
as Lieut., and John Sutton as Ensign. 

From the Pequot war in 1637, to the troubles with the 
Narragansetts and Philip of Pokanoket, which came to open 
war in the autumn of 1675, there had been peace with the 
Indians. This war was suspected and foreseen for several 
years. Neither Philip nor the Narragansetts would be faithful 
to their treaties of amity. It is not proper for us here to give 
a narrative of that war, except in so far as it had some particu- 
lar connexion w^ith this Town. 

The Colony Court had put their Jurisdiction into a state of mil- 
itary preparation, in 1674, on account of an expected expedition 
against the Dutch at New York. We observe in the records 
of the Colony, that the military officers in each town were 
required to make a " search of arms," and report deficiencies. 
We notice also, in the records of Scituate, that Capt. Cudworth 
was chosen to complete the Town's stock of arms and ammu- 
nition, and in particular he was ordered " to purchase seven 
sordes to complete the town's stock in that kinde." 

In 1675, an additional garrison of twelve men was ordered 
to be established at the house of Mr Joseph Barstow in Scituate. 
This was near the place now called Hanover Corners. The 
other garrisons in the Town were at the " block house " on the 
North River, at Charles Slockbridge's, (which was the princi- 
pal garrison), and at Capt. John Williams's, on farm neck. 

The same year the Court ordered the Namassakesett Indians 



120 MILITARY AFFAIRS. 

lo be removed to Clark's Island near Plymouth, and not to leave 
the Island without license. It was also ordered that there be 
pressed for this war twenty-three men from Scituate, (from 
Plymouth fifteen, Taunton twenty, &;c.) 

October 4Lh, "At a Gen. Court held at Plymouth, Major 
James Cudworth was unanimously chosen and re-established in 
the office of General and Commander in Chief, to take charge 
of our forces that are or may be sent forth against the enemy, 
as occasions may require. Serjeant Robert Barker to be his 
Lieut, of his particular company." 

Also, " General Cudworth, Mr Constant Southworth, Mr 
Barnabas Lothrop and Mr Isaac Chittenden ordered to be a 
committee in behalf of the Country, to take an account of the 
charges arising by this war." 

The same year the Town of Scituate chose a committee 
"to procure clothing, he. for the soldiers, viz. Gen. Cudworth, 
Cornet Stetson, Isaac Chittenden, Joseph White." 

The Colony Court also resorted to the following strong 
measure of precaution : " It is ordered that every man that 
comes to meeting on the Lord's Day, bring with him his arms, 
with at least six charges of powder and shot," also " that who- 
ever shall shoot off a gun at any game whatsoever, except at an 
Indian or a wolf, shall forfeit 5s for such default, until further 
order." 

It was determined, towards the close of this year, to make an 
expedition against the Narragansetts. It was commanded by 
Gov. Winslow in person, and though successful, so far as to 
destroy the Narragansett fort, and slay at least eleven hundred 
of the Indians, it was nevertheless the most memorable of all 
the actions in which the Plymouth forces were engaged, for the 
sufferings and hardships of the victors, it being on the last of 
December, and the country covered with a deep snow and the 
weather uncommonly severe. For a description of this battle 
see Hubbard or Church, or N. E. Memorial. 

Scituate had twenty men in this battle ; but we are unable 
to give any perfect list of their losses and sufferings. It is 
however due to those brave men to collect what we can, in the 
absence of any authentic report of killed and wounded. We 
learn from a letter of Gov. Winslow written from the scene of 
battle, that Serjeant Theophilus Witherell (son of Rev. William) 
was desperately wounded in storming the Narragansett Fort, 
December 19, 1G75. We can also name John Wright, 
mentioned incidentally in Scituate records, as having been in 
that battle. We can name Joseph Turner, who had been 



MILITARY AFrAIRS. 121 

wounded before, as it would seem, for the Town of Scituate 
had passed the followmg vote 1G73: "Chose Serj, John 
Daman to go with Joseph Turner and procure a cure for him ; 
also to support him at the Town's expense as long as he liveth." 
He recovered, it seems, and fought again. We extract from 
the Colony records the following particulars. 

In 1678, "Ordered thatAVilliam Perry of Scituate be re- 
leased from military duty on account of great wounds received 
in the late war." The next year he was "allowed 10£ from 
the Colony Treasury" on the same account. In 1G78, "Ser- 
jeant Theophilus Witherell, on account of his severe wounds in 
the late war, by which he is crippled for life, is allowed G0£ 
silver money." In 1681,. "Joseph Turner having served in 
the Narragansett fight, is freed from military duty." In 1683, 
"John Vinal having served in the Narragansett fight is freed 
from military duty." It is truly affecting to observe such trib- 
utes, trifling as they were in a pecuniary view, to the brave 
soldiers of the "Narragansett fight." 

On the opening of the campaign against Philip in 1676, 
twenty-five men were ordered to be pressed from Scituate 
early in the spring. Gen. Cudworth, Lieut. Buck and Isaac 
Chittenden were appointed press-masters. The Town also 
chose a committee " to take account of all the service of the 
soldiers in all their goings out, and report to the Governor," 
viz. Gen. Cudwordi, Lieut. Buck and John Cushing. 

The Narragansetts early in the spring had committed ravages 
in Rhode Island ; parties had even penetrated to Plymouth 
and killed a number of inhabitants. On this alarm, Capt. 
Michael Pierce of Scituate, with a company of fifty Enghshmen 
and twenty friendly Indians from Cape Cod, was ordered to 
pursue the Indians towards Rhode Island. He proceeded 
without any rencounter near to Pawtucket, in that part which 
has been called Attleboro Gore, when he discovered that there 
were Indians near him, but not suspecting that Canonchett was 
there, with all the collected force of the Narragansetts. He 
therefore ventured to cross the river and conmience the attack, 
but soon found himself in the presence of an overwhelming 
force. To fly was impossible, and to retreat in order, before 
such an enemy, was equally desperate. His only resource was 
to fall back to the river's bank, in order to avoid being sur- 
rounded, and make the sacrifice of himself and of his brave 
men as costly as possible to the foe. But the Indians having 
a large disposable force, soon sent a party across the river to 
attack in the rear. This surprise only induced the Captain 
to change the front of ^alf his^company, and place them back 
16 



122 MILITARY AFFAIRS. 

to back ; and in this position they fouglit until nearly every 
man fell, and with a bravery like that at Thermopylse, and 
deserving of as great success. Capt. Pierce fell earlier than 
many others ; and it is due to the honor of one his friendly 
Indians called Amos, that he continued to stand by his com- 
mander and fight, until affairs were utterly desperate, and that 
then he escaped by blackening his face wdth pow^der as he saw 
the enemy had done, and so passing through their army without 
notice. 

Mather and others relate also pleasing anecdotes of two or 
three other of Capt. Pierce's friendly Indians, who escaped by 
equally curious artifices and presence of mind. One who was 
flying and closely pressed by a hostile Indian sought the shelter 
of a large rock. Thus the two were waiting in awful suspense 
to shoot each other. Capt. Pierce's Indian putting his cap 
on the end of a stick or his gun, gently raised it to the view of 
his enemy, who immediately discharged his gun at the cap, 
and the next moment was shot dead by the friendly Indian. 
Another in his flight pretended to pursue an Englishman, with 
hostile demonstrations, and thus escaped. 

It was little consolation to learn, after this disaster, that this 
brave band had slain thrice their own number of the Indians. 
It was by far the severest calamity that befel Plymouth Colony 
during this bloody war, and peculiarly disastrous to Scituate. 

It has generally been stated that every Englishman was 
killed : but we are fortunately able to furnish what may be 
the most accurate and authentic account of the losses in that 
battle, that is extant. It is a letter from the Rev. Noah New- 
man of Rehoboth, dated the day after the battle, to his friend 
the Rev. John Cotton of Plymouth. He assisted in burying 
the dead. 

of the first 

"Rehoboth, 27 ^ ,76. 
"Reverend and dear Sir. 

" I received yours dated the 20th of this Instant 
wherein you gave me a doleful relation of what had happened 
with you, and what a distressing Sabbath you had past. I 
have now, according to the words of your own letter, an oppor- 
tunity to retaliate your account with a relation of what yesterday 
happened to the great saddening of our hearts, filling us with 
an awful expectation of what further evils it may be anteceda- 
neous to, both respecting ourselves and you. Upon the 25th 
of this Instant, Capt. Pierce went forth with a small party of 
liis men and Indians with him, and upon discovering the enemy, 



MILITARY AFFAIRS. 123 

fought Iiim, without damage to himself, and judged that he had 
considerably damnified them. Yet he, being of no great force, 
chose rather to retreat and go out the next morning with a 
recruit of men ; and accordingly he did, taking Pilots from us, 
that were acquainted with the ground. But it pleased the 
Sovereign God so to order it, that they were enclosed with a 
great multitude of the enemy, which hath slain fifty-two of our 
Englishmen, and eleven Indians. The account of their names 
is as follows. From Scituate 18, of whom 15 slain, viz. Capt. 
Pierce, Samuel Russell, Benjamin Chittenden, John Lothrope, 
Gershom Dodson, Samuel Pratt, Thomas Savary, Joseph 
Wade, William Wilcome, Jeremiah Barstow, John Ensign, 
Joseph Cowen, Joseph Perry, John Perry, John Rowse, (Rose). 
Marshfield 9 slain : Thomas Little, John Earns, Joseph White, 
John Burrows, Joseph Philips, Samuel Bump, John Low, 
More John Brance. Duxbury 4 slain : John Sprague, Ben- 
jamin Soal, Thomas Hunt, Joshua Fobes. Sandwich 5 slain : 
Benjamin Nye, David Bessey, Caleb Blake, Job Gibbs, Stephen 
Wing. Barnstable G slain : Lieut. Fuller, John Lewis, Eleazer 

C , (probably Clapp), Samuel Linnet, Samuel Childs, 

Samuel Bereman. Yarmouth 5 slain : John Matthews, John 
Gage, William Gage, Henry Gage, Henry Gold. Eastham 4 
slain : Joseph Nessefield, John Walker, John ]M — , (torn off), 
John Fits, jr., John Miller, jr. Thomas Man is just returned 
with a sore wound. 

" Thus Sir, you have a sad account of the continuance of God's 
displeasure against us : yet still I desire steadfastly to look unto 
him who is not only able but willing to save all such as are fit 
for his salvation. It is a day of the wicked's tryumph, but the 
sure word of God tells us his tryumphing is brief. O that we 
may not lengthen it out by our sins. The Lord help us to 
joyne issue in our prayers, instantly and earnestly, for the healing 
and helping of our Land. Our Extremity is God's opportunity. 

" Thus with our dearest respects to you and Mrs. Cotton, 
and such sorrowful friends as are with you, I remain 
"Your ever assured friend 

"Noah Newman."* 

Note in the lower margin, probably in the hand writing of 
Mr. Cotton. 

" from Jlr Newman Marcli 27, 1G7C, 
Newman, Shove, Wiillev,Maj. Bradford, Capt. Oliver, 
Keith, Fr. Mather, Motii. Matlier, Sister Mather 
Seaborn Cotton, Waliier, Moody, Mrs. Newman. 
"Read." 

* The authenticity of thia letter is beyond doubt. It came into our possession 
in the following manner. We (the compiler of this work) remembered to 



124 MILITARY AFFAIRS. 

The greater number of the unfortunate fifteen of Scituate, 
were heads of families, viz. Capt. Pierce, Samuel Russell, 
Benjamin Chittenden, John Lothrop, Gershom Dodson, Tho- 
mas Savary, Jeremiah Barslow, John Ensign. John Lothrop 
was not the son of the Rev. John Lothrop, but he is called in 
Scituate records, an Irishman. Thomas Man, who returned 
"with a sore wound," was of Scituate. 

Immediately after the above calamity,* the council of war 
decided that the danger of the crisis was such, that the utmost 
streiigth of the Colony must be put forth. The quota of sol- 
diers to be raised by Scituate, according to their plan, was fifty. 
They were to rendezvous at Plymouth on the lltli April 1676, 
where they were to meet the council of war and receive their 
directions. But when the council assembled at Plymouth to 
meet their new raised forces, they found that it had not been 
possible to muster so many men as their well laid plan had 
contemplated. "There was a special deficiency of Scituate 
and Sandwich," says the New England Memorial, and the 
whole design was for the present abandoned. We shall do 
what we can to account for the unfortunate deficiency so far as 
Scituate is concerned. Ten days after the day appointed for 
the assembling of the soldiers at Plymouth, an attack was made 
on Scituate by a large body of Indians, which had been seen 
about Weymouth some days before. "They however were 
bravely repulsed by the inhabitants of Scituate ;" so record 
Hubbard and Mather. We are to recollect too that Capt. 
Pierce whh fifteen of the best men of Scituate had been slain, 
but a few days previous to the day of rendezvous. It was not 
within the compass of probability certainly, that Scituate could 

liave been shown a copy of it, several years since, by Hayward Pierce, Esq. 
a lineal descendant of Capt. Michael Pierce, and to liave been informed by 
him, that the original was in the possession of llossitter Cotton, Esq. of 
Plymouth, a descendant of the Rev. Mr Cotton to whom the letter was 
addressed. We applied to this gentleman, who informed us that lie had sent 
the letter, with others, to the Antiquarian Society at Worcester. By the 
politeness of the venerable President of that Society, the original letter 
was found, and copied for us by Emory Washburn, Esq. of Worcester. 
Rev. Mr Newman deceased April 16, 1G7S. 

* It may be pleasing to the reader to be informed, that Canonchett was 
taken prisoner a few days after, by Capt. Denison of Stonington. A young 
soldier of the company Robert Staunton, put some questions to the Sachem, 
when ho received this proud and disdainful answer: •' You too much child — 
no understand matters of war — let your Capt. come — him I will answer." 
And when he was informed that it was determined to put him to death, lie 
said, " I like it well — I shall die before my heart is soft, or before I have 
spoken any tlyng unworthy of myself." Hubbard's Indian Wars. 

Canonchett was son of the famous Miantonomoli, chief Sachem of the 
NarvDganaetts. 



MILITARY AFFAIRS. 125 

have furnished fifty men, without leaving their homes defence- 
less, and their garrisons unmanned. 

Again on the 20th of May following, another and the last 
desperate attack was made upon the Town. 

They had made an attack upon Hinghamonthe 19th, kihing 
John Jacob of Glad Tidings plain. The next morning, after 
burning five houses in Hingham, they hastened to Scituate by 
the Plymouth road. They came into Scituate by the " Indian 
path," so called, which led from Scituate to the Matakeeset 
setdements at Indian head ponds, by "the Cornet's mih," on 
the third Herring brook, near the residence of the late Major 
Winslow. This saw mill they burnt; and tradition tells that 
they wounded and burnt a man in it; but this is doubtful. 
They then proceeded to Capt. Joseph Sylvester's and burnt 
his house. It stood north of the Episcopal Church hill, (now 
known as such), and nearly on the same spot where stands the 
mansion of Mr Samuel Waterman. There was a garrison of 
twelve men at Joseph Barstow's, three fourths of a mile south 
of Capt. Sylvester's, which they probably avoided, and proceed- 
ed down towards the Town, burning as they went.* But 
unfortunately we are able only to mention a few of the houses 
so destroyed, which we find incidentally mentioned in our 
Town records. The next house which they burnt (of which 
we have certain record) was William Blackmore's. It stood 
where stands the house of the late Capt. Elijah Curtis, forty 
rods west of the head of the lane that leads to Union Bridge, 
and on the north side of the street. William Blackmore was 
killed that day,f but whether in attempting to defend his house 
or not, and what was the fate of his family, we have not learned, 
probably however they had escaped to the " block house," on 
the bank of the river, but fifty rods distant. The block-house 
was attacked but not carried ; John James, however, whose 
house was near the block-house, received a- mortal wound, 
lingered about six weeks, and died. The Indians then hastened 
forward to attack the principal garrison at Charles Stockbridge's. 

* We learn from Gov. Winslow's letter to Mr Hinckley, (dated May 23, 
1676), that " fourteen men marched up from Marshfield as far as Joseph 
Barstow's, and had sight of the enemy at William Barstow's, but being 
unhappily discovered by them also, they ran away, leaving some horses and 
caUle they were about to carry away, and those houses at that time secured 
from the tlames." This we understand to have been on the same day, when 
the great attack was made on Scituate — and that this was but a small 
detachment of the enemy. 

t Since writing this account, we have ascertained tliat it was in the former 
attack, on the 21st of April, that Blackmore was killed. 



126 MILITARY AFFAIRS. 

Their path may be traced directly onward towards this garrison. 
The house of Nicholas (the Sweede) was the next burnt, which 
stood on a small hill thirty rods north-east of Parker lane. We 
observe that the Town voted, the next year, to allow him three 
pounds towards rebuilding his house. In their further progress 
they doubtless burnt other houses, as Wm. Parker's, Robert Stet- 
son, jr.'s, Standlake's, SutlifFe's, Holmes's, John Buck's and others 
were nigh their path, but unfortunately the committee's report to 
Gov. Winslow is not extant, at least in full. They passed over 
Walnut Tree hill, on the northward of the late Judge William 
Cushing's, and entered Ewell's house which stood at the " turn 
of the road," which spot may be known in modern times, by 
saying, it was nearly midway between Judge Cushing's man- 
sion and farm house. Ewell's wife was alone, save an infant 
grandchild, John Northey,* sleeping in the cradle; the house 
being situated beneath a high hill, she had no notice of the 
approach of the savages until they were rushing down the hill 
towards the house. In the moment of alarm, she fled towards 
the garrison, which was not more than sixty rods distant, and 
either through a momentary forgetfulness, or despair, or with 
the hope of alarming the garrison in season, she forgot the child. 
She reached the garrison in safely. The savages entered her 
house, and stopping only to take the bread from the oven 
which she was in the act of putting in, when she was first 
alarmed, then rushed forward to assault the garrison. After 
tliey had become closely engaged, Ewell's wife returned by a 
circuitous path, to learn the fate of the babe, and to her happy- 
surprise, found it quietly sleeping in the cradle as she had left 
it, and carried it safely to the garrison. A few hours afterward 
the house was burnt. There was a considerable village around 
this place, and the houses of Northey, Palmer, Russell, Tho- 
mas King, jr. and some others were doubtless burnt, though 
we are not able to quote record for it. That Ewell's house 
was burnt we learn from his will, in which it was incidentally 
mentioned, (see Family Sketches). The garrison house of 
Stockbridge was pallisadoed on three sides, the fourth being 
defended by the mill pond. Beside this there was a small out 
work near the mill, on a little island between the mill stream 
and the waste way, where a blacksmith's shop has for several 
years stood. It was thought to be a point of importance to the 
settlement, to defend these mills. Here the Indians fought 
several hours, made many efforts to fire the buildings, and 



■ Whose genealogy is in tliis work. 



MILITARY AFFAIRS. 127 

sustained heavy losses, from the well directed shot from the 
garrison. They chiefly occupied the groimd at the south end 
of the mill dam. They were not repulsed until night close, 
when nearly the whole force of the Town that was left at home, 
was collected for the purpose. Lieut. Buck had mustered all 
the men below, and the veteran Cornet Stetson had descended 
the river, with what people could be raised in the south part of 
the Town. Unfortunately, Capt. John Williams with thirty 
Scituate men, was absent, "ranging the woods," about Namas- 
kett (Middleboro). A letter written by Gov. Josiah Winslow, 
the same week of this affair, throw^s out some reproaches 
against the inactivity of the inhabitants of Scituate about this 
time :* but though we give the excellent Governor all due 
praise for his ardor, we must suppose that he could not have 
been fully apprized of the circumstances at the time when he 
wrote. When we reflect on the amazing losses which Scituate 
had recently sustained, and that Capt. WiUiams was ranging 
the woods beyond Plymouth with thirty men, and that a great 
part of the Town was in flames, and many persons killed on 
the 20th of May, it is easy for us to imagine why the inhabi- 
tants of Scituate did not chase away this large force of the 
Indians, as Gov. Winslow would have desired. They w^ere 
scarcely able to maintain their garrisons at home, wath their 
diminished forces. The "forty smart lads from Plymouth, 
Duxbury and Marshfield," who are praised in the Governor's 
letter for venturing as far as Bridgewater, saw only a straggling 
party; the main body was ravaging Scituate. In short, we 
are confirmed in the opinion that the worthy Governor blamed 
the inactivity of Scituate at this terrible crisis, without fully 
knowing the circumstances, by the facts, that after this tremen- 
dous attack had been sustained, and a short breathing time 
had been allowed, Scituate was at the head of offensive opera- 
tions against the enemy. The long persecuted Cudworth, 
with a magnanimity rarely equalled, though waxing old, had 
accepted the chief command of the Colony forces, and contin- 
ued in that command until Philip was subdued. Lieut. Buck 
was in constant service, and his brother John the Cornet : and 
the veteran Cornet Stetson was constantly on horseback, either 
in making voluntary excursions with Gen. Cudworth, (as tra- 
dition asserts), or in returning to encourage the garrisons at 
home, or in guiding the directions of the council of war. In 
July, Capt. John Williams with a company from Scituate 

* Dated May 23d-. Suo Hinckley papers, Historical Society's Library. 



128 MILITARY AFFAIRS. 

chiefly, was detached to follow PhiliiD to mount Hope, and 
commanded the right wing of the amhuscade, when that perse- 
vering prince was slain, (see Church's History). 

In an appendix to the last edition of the New England 
Memorial, a paper is quoted, purporting to be a return to Gov. 
Winslow of the losses of Scituate. That paper was said to be 
thus endorsed: "13 dwehing houses burnt with their barns — 
one saw mill — six heads of families (Pierce, Russell, Savary, 
Whitcomb, Pratt, Blackmore), many others killed and made 
cripples." Thus far reference can be had to a part only of 
the war, because we have already named many other heads of 
families, and we will here add that we find authentic records, 
(incidentally), to show that Mr Isaac Chittenden, a highly 
respectable citizen, a deputy to the Court, and a member of 
the council of war, was slain at Scituate on the memorable 20tli 
May, 1676. The quotation from Gov. Winslow's paper con- 
tinues thus, "in all 32 families, wherin are about 132 persons." 
By this we understand thirty-two heads of families ; and this 
we think can embrace only the year of 1676, exclusive of the 
Narragansett expedition, the year previous.* 

At the close of this war, the Commissioners of the United 
Colonies reported the state of the debt, and recommended a 
tax to be levied . The proportion of Plymouth Colony amounted 
to £3692, 16s. 2d. of which sum, Scituate paid £586, 7s. 4d. 
which was above £100 more than was paid by any other 
town in the Colony. f 

In the autumn of 1676, some of the conquered lands were 
ordered to be sold, viz. " Showamett Neck, (between Taunton 
and Swanzey), IMount Hope, (Bristol), Pocassett, (Tiverton), 
and Assonet, (Freetown), ' for the relief of maymed soldiers and 
persons impoverished by the wars, and poor widows such as 
have lost their husbands in the wars, &;c.' " The Governor, 
Gen. Cudworth and the Treasurer, together with one chosen 
from each town, were to be the committee for this purpose.J 

We notice also in the transactions of the town of Scituate in 
the autumn of 1676, " The Town chose a committee to join 

* See Appendix, 2c1. 

t In 16G3, the taxes ofScitunte were as IC to 10 compared witli Plynioutli, 
and as 16 to 4 compared witli Bridgewater. 

t Amongst the purcliasers of Showamett we notice the following Scituate 
men (1667) : Richard Prouty, Walter Briggs, Capt. Joiin Williams, William 
Hatch, William Peaks, Jonathan Jackson, Lieut. Isaac Buck, Zechary 
Daman, Daniel Daman. The whole company was thirty. It may be proper 
to distinguish Showamett from Shaomet, (VVarwick, Rhode Island), some- 
times written Shawamett. 



MILITARY AFFAIRS. 129 

with that committee of the General Court, viz. the Governor, 
Gen. Cudworth and the Treasurer, according to Law, to divide 
the proceeds of the sales of land at Showamett amongst the 
soldiers, widows, Sic." Thomas King was chosen. 

Also in reference to the same subject, in the spring of 1677, 
" The Town instructed their Deputies to move the Corte, that 
this Town may have their part of whatsoever lands and profits 
have been obtained by the late warres. Also that some speedy 
course be taken for the relief of some wounded soldiers. Also 
that Capt. WilHams and about 30 men which were pressed out 
to range the woods about Namastick and Plymouth, may be 
paid by the country as well as other prest soldiers." 

Some of the soldiers, probably by consent, received their 
pay in lands, for services in Philip's war. There appears in 
the Colony records, and also an attested copy of the same in 
the town records of Scituate, the following entry : 

" The persons to have land as allowed by the Court, are as 
followeth : 

£ s. d. 

Lieut. Isaac Buck, 10 . . 00 . . 00. 

Zechariah Daman, 06 . . 06 . . 01. 

John Daman 06 . . 05 . . 07. 

Richard Prouty, 06 . . 12 . . 03. 
Cornet John Buck, 08 . . 09 . . 05. 

Jonathan Jackson, 06 . . 05 . . 04. 

Thomas Clark, 05 . . 05 . . 02. 

William Hatch, 02 . . 01 . . 00. 

Richard Dwelley, 11 . . 13 . . 03. 

Walter Briggs, 05 . . 18 . . 07. 

Charles Stockbridge 
for Benj. Woodworth, 07 . . 09 . . 07. 

Joseph Garrett, 05 . . 09 . . 07. 
Plymouth, July 22d, 1676. Nathaniel Morton, Secretary." 
The wages in Philip's war were ordered by the Court to be 
as follows : 

General 6s per day. Ensign 4s per day. 

Captain 5s " Sergeant 2s 6d " 

Commissary 4s " Corporal 2s Od " 

Paymaster 4s " Soldier Is 6d " 

Lieutenant 4s " 

We notice also in the Colony records, 1680, "Serj. John 
Barker was freed from bearing arms for the wounds in the late 
war." 

17 



130 MILITARY AFFAIRS. 

Also, the same year, "Job Randall was allowed 10£ for 
wounds in Philip's war." 

Henceforth we are able to give but little account of the part 
borne by Scituate in the Indian wars. 

We shall pass over the northern expedition of Sir Edmund 
Andres in 1C87. 

In the eastern expedition, planned and urged chiefly by 
Massachusetts General Court in 1689, commanded by Colonel 
Church, we can only state that Scituate furnished six men and 
two officers, viz. Capt. Joseph Sylvester, (the same whose 
house was burnt in Philip's war), and Ensign Israel Chittenden, 
(son of the very respectable Mr Isaac Chittenden, who was 
killed as noticed above). This ex^jedition, though not very 
successful, was not disasterous in losses, and probably all our 
town'smen returned. Scituate paid a tax of £88 for the 
expenses. 

In the Canada expedition in 1690, under Sir William Phipps, 
at tlie taking of Port Royal and the attempts upon Quebec, 
Scituate furnished sixteen men, under Capt. Joseph Sylvester, 
Lieut. Israel Chittenden and Ensign John Stetson. This 
expedition proved fatal to Capt. Sylvester (see Family Sketches) 
and to many of his men : but we are unable to give a list of 
them. We have collected a few notes from the Probate 
records relative to these losses. For example, the Court 
appointed Timothy Rogers to administer on the estate of Na- 
thaniel Parker, wdio died in the Canada expedition 1690. 
Benjamin Stetson was appointed administrator to his son 
Mathew Stetson, who died in the same expedition. 

The widow Mary appointed administratrix to her husband 
Ensign John Stetson, who died in the same expedition. 

Moses Simons in his will, "being bound to Canada as a 
soldier in I690j in case he shall never return," orders his 
property to be equally divided between his brothers : brother 
John to be executor. He did not return, and the will was 
executed by John. 

Eliab Turner was appointed administrator to Lazarus Turner 
his brother, who died in the same expedition. 

Samuel Bryant (son of John, sen.) died in the same expedi- 
tion. The inventory of his estate taken by William Perry and 
Samuel Stetson. 

Samuel Dwelley (son of Richard) died in the same expedi- 
tion — inventory taken by Jeremiah Hatch and James Bowker. 
Thomas Hyland also — his father Thomas was appointed ad- 
ministrator. 



MILITARY AFFAIRS. 131 

Robert Sprout died in June on this expedition. 
The object of the war, that of conquering and possessing 
Canada, was not at that time secured. Some brihiant partizan 
exploits were performed by the sons of Edward Wanton in 
1697, (see Family Sketches), when Count Frontenac was 
Governor in Canada. 

A second mihtary company was established in Scituate when 
new regulations were ordered for the militia in 1695, three 
years after the union of Plymouth and Massachusetts. Our 
town records notice these general orders, so far as to record 
"that the Commands of Capt. Chittenden on the north, and 
Capt. Stetson on the south were to be limited by the first Her- 
ring brook, with the exception of Samuel Clap, Thomas Pincin 
and Da.vid Jacob, on the south side of said brook, to belong to 
the command on the north side." This was conformable to 
the division of Parishes, or nearly so. Capt. Anthony CoUa- 
more was commander of the Scituate company at the time of 
his decease in 1693, and an elegy on his death, which has been 
preserved by the family, contrives to mention that his train 
band consisted of two hundred. The poet must have taken 
some license : it may however have amounted to that number 
at that time, if the muster-roll included all between sixteen and 
sixty, as it had done under the Plymoutli Colony government. 
We now pass to the French war, so called, of which we 
shall attempt no narrative. We shall merely give a list of such 
men as served in that war, informing the reader that it must be 
far from a complete one. 

Capt. John Clap, (son of Thomas Clap), at Quebec 1759. 
Capt. Benjamin Briggs, in that war 1756. 
Lieut. Elisha Turner, (in Capt. Keen's company 1757), and 

Capt. 1759. 
Lieut. John Clap — a Col. in the Revol. — died in Scituate 1810. 
Seijeant Barnabas Barker, in Capt. Keen's company. Colonel 

Thomas's regiment, 1757, 
Capt. Keen's company 1757, William Carlisle, James Cushing, 

Samuel Bowker, Consider Cole, Stephen Lapham, Elisha 

Palmer, Samuel Ramsdel, Peleg Turner, Benj. Lapham. 
Capt. Bassett's company 1757, John Caswell, Edward Corlevv, 

David Marvel, Zaccheus Nash, Thomas Pearce, Gideon 

Rose, Luther Wade. 
James Briggs, (at the first taking of Louisburg 1744).* 

* Louisburg was taken bv ilie JVew England Troops, the first time ; it was 
one of the greatest achieveiiient.s of the French war. Col. John VViiislow of 
Marshfield led tlie New England Ibrccs. 



132 MILITARY AFFAIRS. 

Samuel Randall, died of small pox in the army 1756. 

Isaac Torrey, wounded at St. John's 1757, d. in Scituate 1812. 

Staunton James > ^^^^^ ^^ g^^ j^^^^^,^ 1^^^^ 

JNehemiah Kandall, ) 

Job Cowen, at St. John's 1759, living in Scituate 1831, a. 90. 

Lieut. Viney Turner, at St. John's 1759. 

Lieut. Job Tyrrell, as above. 

William Hayden, do. 

Ezekiel Hayden, do. 

William Perry, do. 

Nehemiah Sylvester, do. 

■„. , ^o 1 ' > sons of Nehemiah do. 

Kichard Sylvester, ) 

Elisha Stodder, do. 

Nathaniel Ellmes, died returning from Halifax 1759. 

Josiah Litchfield, died at Halifax 1759. 

James Tower, wfith Col. Bradstreet atSkenectady 1756. 

John Gross, taken in a Country ship and d. at Guadaloupe 1758. 

Edmund Gross, do. and returned. 

Isaac Lapham, in attack on Ticonderoga 1758. 

Edmund Bowker, do. died in Scituate 1826, aged 95. 

Reuben Bates, at second taking of Louisburg 1758, living in 

Scituate 1831, aged 95. 
David Dunbar, at Louisburg as above, also at Crown pt. 1759. 
Benjamin Bowker, at Ticonderoga and Lake George 1758. 

The following were at Crown point in 1759. 
John Foster, died in Scituate 1815. 
Benjamin Palmer, died in Scituate 1820. 
Elisha Barrel, died in Hanover 1829, aged 96. 
Colburn Barrel, died in Rev. war. 
Samuel Brooks, died in Hanover 1830, aged 95. 
Nehemiah Palmer. 
George Stetson. 
Jedidiah Dwelley. 
Henry Lambert. 

Simeon Nash, died of small pox at Ticonderoga 1759. 
Reuben Daman, drowned in swimming Connecticut river, on 

his return 1759. 
Zechariah Lambert. 
Daniel Lambert. 
John.Corlew, "^ 

twins. ^ "^^^^^^ ^^[.J^^l j>sons of Edward named above. 

William Corlew, J 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 133 

Elisha Litchfield. 

Wiborn Hollaway. 

Benjamin Collamore. 

Dr. Ephraira Otis, at Fort William Henry 1757, sm-geon. 

Joseph Bowker, at Crown point 1759. 

Luke Lambert, do. 

James Woodworth, do. 

Oliver Winslow, killed near Crown point 1759. 

William Gould, James Orian, Thomas Pierce, Thomas Vicars, 
Michael Vicars, Joseph Randall, Ezekiel Sprague, Will- 
iam Westcott. 

Dr. James Otis, surgeon's mate at Crown point 1758, Colonel 
Bagley's Regiment. 

It will be seen, by the above notes, that two veterans of the 
French war survive in 1831 : Reuben Bates and Job Cowen: 
they are intelligent men, and retain their faculties in an extraor- 
dinary degree. 



Revolutionary War. 

It becomes us, in the history of events so well known as 
those of the American war, to confine ourselves to very narrow 
limits, conscious that we can bring nothing new to light, and 
record nothing of much interest that is not already made 
publick. Still it may be gratifying to posterity, if haply our 
book may reach posterity, to see some collection of the names 
of their townsmen and ancestors, who acted a part in that 
trying time. 

The first act of the Town that had a reference to this war, 
appears on the record March 1774. 

" It was put whether the Town would act upon the request 
of William Clap and others, touching the difficulties of the 
present times, and passed in the afiirmative. The Town then 
chose Nathan Cushing, Esq., Doct. Ephraim Otis, Nathaniel 
Clap, Esq., Wilham Turner, Doct. James Otis, Israel Vinal, 
Galen Clap, Joseph Tolman, Barnabas Little, Anthony Water- 
man, and John Clap, jr. a committee to draft such resolutions 
as they may think proper, and present the same to the Town 
at their next meeting." 

May 23, 1774, the committee reported 

"That we cordially join in sentiment with most of our 
brethren in this and other Colonies, that tliose acts of tlie British 



134 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

Parliament which have a tendency to control our internal com- 
merce and manufactures, and more especially to extort our 
monies, are not only disconsonant with good and lawful Gov- 
ernment, but subversive of those rights and liberties which our 
Fathers have handed down to us — Therefore we advise and 
move that a committee be appointed to make all suitable en- 
quiry into our public disturbances and difficulties, and lay their 
counsels, determinations and results before the Town, when 
and so often as they shall think necessary, applying to tlie 
select men to warn a meeting for the purpose. 

"Nathan Gushing, per order." 

October 3, 1774. 

" It was put whether the Town would chose a com- 
mittee of Inspection, to see that the Continental Association 
shall be strictly adhered to, and passed in the affirmative. A 
Committee of Inspection was then chosen, consisting of John 
Gushing, jr., Nathan Gushing, Esq., Charles Turner, Israel 
Vinal, jr., Nathaniel Waterman, Joseph Tolman, James Otis, 
William Turner, Barnabas Little, John Palmer, Galen Clap, 
Anthony Waterman, Noah Otis, Joseph Stetson, Increase Clap, 
Gideon Vinal, Eli Curtis, Samuel Clap, Abiel Turner, Barna- 
bas Barker, George Morton, Ignatius Otis, Thomas Mann, 
Deacon Samuel Jenkins, Paul Bailey, Calvin Pierce, Amasa 
Bailey, Deacon Joseph Bailey, Constant Clap, John Jacob, 
and James Briggs." 

At the same meeting a committee of correspondence was 
chosen, viz. "John Gushing, jr., Nathan Gushing, Esq., Joseph 
Tolman, Barnabas Little, Israel Vinal, jr., Galen Clap, Abiel 
Turner, Noah Otis, Nathaniel Waterman, Dea. Joseph Bailey 
and Eh Curtis." 

January 18, 1775, the committee of inspection reported to 
the Town this "PubHck Information." 

" The Publick are hereby informed that on the 9th Inst, the 
Committee of Inspection, by request of the Town, waited on 
Charles Curtis and Frederick Henderson, shopkeepers, to 
know whether they intended to adhere to the Continental 
Association, the former of whom rendered the following answer : 
' I shall 710^ adhere to it,' and the latter replied as the former, 
adding, 'I don't know any Congress,^ — whose ignorance is 
the more to be wondered at, seeing he has been an inhabitant 
of this Continent and Town several years, since quitting his 
mai'ine vocation. Therefore the inhabitants of this Town do 
hereby resolve to break off all dealing whatsoever with said 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 135 

refractory shopkeepers, until they shall give publick and abso- 
lute satisfaction to the foresaid Committee and Town, touching 
their open refractoriness relative to said salutary Association — 
trusting in the mean time that the publick will condescend to 
trouble their memories with their names and characters. 

"John Gushing, jr.. Chairman." 

At a meeting of the Town, May 29, 1775. 

"Voted to recommend to the inhabitants of this Town 
to bring their fire arms and accoutrements with them to meet- 
ing, on the Sabbath, June 19, 1775." 

This may have had reference to a plan concerted about that 
time, for capturing Capt. Balfour, who was stationed in the 
neighboring town of Marshfield, with the " Queen's Guards," 
and who, it was thought, might attempt to march through Scit- 
uate to Boston. But the British at Boston, by some means, 
learned the design, and took off this beautiful company of 
Guards by water, just in season to be am^ihilated at the battle 
of Bunker-hill, on the 17th of June. 

July 1775, "Voted to choose a committee to consult with 
Mr Nathaniel Waterman about keeping the soldiers at the 
Harbour." 

"Voted that a guard of nine men be kept day and night, 
and that this guard be commanded by Capt. Noah Otis." _ 

"Voted that a watch box be estabhshed near Eleazer Litch- 
field's, to be under his care — another at the Glades, under the 
care of Paul Bailey and Barnabas Litde, and another at the 3d 
ClifF, under the care of James Briggs." 

" Voted that if the persons who have the care of said Boxes, 
may fail at any time of procuring said guards, they are imme- 
diately to acquaint the committees of Correspondence and 
of Inspection." 

June 4, 1776. 

" Chose a Committee to draft instructions for our Rep- 
resentatives in General Court, viz. William Gushing, Esq., 
Major William Turner, Capt. Joseph Tolman, Capt. Israel 
Vinal, jr. and Mr Anthony Waterman." 

At the same meeting the committee reported these 

Instructions. 

" The inhabitants of this Town being called together on the 

recommendation of our General Assembly, to signify their 

minds on the great point of Independence of Great Britain, 

think fit to instruct you on that head. The Ministry of that 



136 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

Kingdom having formed the design of subjecting the Colonies 
to a distant, external and absolute power in all cases whatsoever, 
wherein the Colonies have not, and in the nature of things, cannot 
have any share by representation, have, for a course of years past, 
exerted their utmost endeavors, to put the same plan, so des- 
tructive to both countries into execution; but finding it, (through 
the noble and virtuous opposition of the sons of freedom), imprac- 
ticable, they have had at length, a fatal recourse to that which is 
still more repugnant to a free Government, viz. a standing 
army — to fire and sword, to blood and devastation — calling 
in the aid of foreign troops, as well as endeavoring to stir up 
the Savages of the wilderness, being determined to exercise 
their barbarities upon us, and to all appearance, to extirpate if 
practicable, the Americans from the face of the earth, unless 
they will tamely resign the rights of humanity, and to repeople 
this once happy Country with the ready sons of Vassalage. 

"We therefore, apprehending that such subjection will be 
inconsistent with the just rights and blessings of society, unan- 
imously instruct you to endeavour that our Delegates in Con- 
gress be informed (in case that Representative Body shall think 
fit to declare the Colonies independant of Great Britain) of our 
readiness and determination to assist with our lives and fortunes, 
in support of that necessary measure. Touching other matters, 
we trust in your fidelity, discretion and zeal for the publick 
welfare, to propose and forward all such measures as you shall 
apprehend may contribute to our necessary defence in the 
present threatening aspect of affairs, or to the promoting of the 
internal peace, order and good Government of this Colony." 



Campaign of Rhode Island. 

September 23, 1776. 

"The Town voted to pay 40s a month in addition to 
the Continental pay, and half a month's advance pay to such 
as shall go this Campaign." 

Capt. Williams Barker with thirty-eight men, received the 
pay thus pledged by the Town. 

October 14, 1776, 

"A Committee was raised to draft a vote on the question 
whether the Town will comply with the order of Gen. Court, 
for forming a Constitution for this State, viz. Elisha Tolman, 
Nathaniel Waterman, Increase Clap, Elisha James, and Dea. 
Joseph Bailey." 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 137 

Report. "Agreeable to a Resolve of Gen. Court, the Town 
has taken the subject into consideration, and has voted to give 
their consent that the present House of Representatives, together 
with the Council (if they consent) in one body, and by equal 
voice, should prepare and agree on such a Constitution and 
form of Government for this State, as the House and Council 
aforesaid, on the fullest and most mature deliberation, shall 
judge most conducive to the safety, peace and happiness of 
this State, then to be submitted to the people at large for their 
ratification or otherwise." (Voted). 

March 17, 1777, "The Town voted to choose a Committee 
of eleven, as a committee of Correspondence, Inspection and 
Safety, viz. John Bowker, Eleazer Litchfield, Ignatius Vinal, 
Joshua Clap, Israel Sylvester, Issachar Vinal, Josiah Luchfield, 
jr., Caleb Bailey, Elisha Foster and Enoch CoUamore." 

June 3, 1777, "The Town chose Capt. Israel Vinal to 
prosecute and lay before the Court, the evidence of the hostile 
disposition toward this or any of the United States, of any of 
the inhabitants of the Town of Scituate, who stand charged 
with being persons whose residence in the State is dangerous 
to publick peace and safety." 

A list was exhibited by the selectmen as follows : " Elijah 
Curtis, Benj. James, Job Otis, James Curtis, David Little, jr., 
Benj. Jacob, Ebenezer Stetson, Benj. James, jr., Elisha Turner, 
David Otis, Prince Otis, Joseph Turner, Frederick Henderson, 
Jonathan Fish, William Hoskins, John Stetson, William Cole, 
Benj. Stockbridge, Charles Stockbridge, Samuel Stetson, Elisha 
Jacob, Joseph Jacob, Joseph Hayden, Jonathan Fish, jr." 

" Voted that any of these persons might have liberty to be 
heard in this present Town meeting or at any other day, that 
their names may be erased on giving satisfaction, &i.c." 

June 19, 1777, "At an adjourned meeting, sixteen of the 
persons charged as dangerous, &,c. gave satisfaction to the 
Town, and their names were struck out of the list. Those 
remaining for trial agreeable to the law of the State are Elijah 
Curtis, Job Otis, James Curtis, Benj. Jacob, Elisha Turner, 
John Stetson, Joseph Jacob, and Joseph Hayden." 

Such measures seem harsh to us who have never borne a 
part in such a crisis. But we are to consider that the utmost 
power of the Colonies was called for ; and to harbour citizens 
within, who might turn their arms against their countrymen in 
their struggles, would have been a piece of criminal courtesy. 
Hence the necessity of committees of Safety and IntJpection. 
It was also an important object to bring forward some who 
18 



138 REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

were timid, and others who looked upon the attempt to achieve 
independence as utterly desperate. It is well known that many 
of our wisest citizens and tirmest patriots, belonged at first to 
the latter class. The ardor of many people of far less discern- 
ment, wrought up to frenzy, by the very backwardness and 
hesitancy of wiser men, in this case triumphed, and compelled 
all to pledge life and honor to the cause, or to abandon their 
homes. In looking over the above list of gentlemen, reported 
to the selectmen " as persons whose residence in the State was 
dangerous;" we can conceive the reasons, in most cases, why 
suspicions should fall upon them, even though they might be 
amongst the most ardent friends of independence. The spotless 
William Gushing did not escape suspicion, though he is not in 
the above hst. And why? because he was a Judge of the 
King's Superior Court. But he soon gave his townsmen satis- 
faction, by drafting the instructions to the Representative of the 
Town, "to endeavor that Congress should be informed that we 
are ready with our lives and fortunes, to support independence, 
in case they should declare it." The worthy and intelligent 
Dr. Benjamin Stockbridge and his son Dr. Charles, were 
suspected. They were of the Church of England, as were 
several others in the Hst. Elisha Turner had been a Captain 
in the French war, had been somewhat distinguished for his 
loyalty. In short, we beHeve posterity now does the justice to 
nearly all the persons at that time suspected, to allow that they 
were firm friends of their country, and well wishers to inde- 
pendence, but coolly and discreetly calculated that it was a 
hopeless object — and an object it was most certainly, which 
all now look on with unqualified wonder that it should have 
been achieved. There was indeed but one in the w4iole list, 
who either through despair of the cause or other more interested 
motives, had any known design of flying to the British ; and 
that was Charles Curtis. As to Frederick Henderson, named 
in the list, we will remark that he was a Captain in the British 
Navy, had been wounded, and shipwrecked several years before 
at Nantasket : he found his way to Scituate, where he married 
and settled for life, and received half pay as a retired officer. 
He satisfied the citizens that he should take no part in the 
contest on either hand, and was suffered to remain. He lived 
several years after the Revolution, and deceased in this place. 
His widow (whose maiden name had been Jael Rogers) was" 
afterward the wife of Capt. William Church, and survived until 
1822. Charles Curtis was a young gentleman of liberal edu- 
cation and fair prospects, and may have gone over to the British 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 139 

with ambitious views. We believe however that he was never 
rewarded for his mistaken loyalty.* He died in New York, 
where his family have since deceased. His wife was Lydia 
James, daughter of Deacon John James. With this single 
exception, the vigilant suspicions and the strong measures of 
the citizens, supported by law, compelled every man who had 
doubted, to disguise at least his doubts, and every man who 
had opposed by reasoning, the practicability of a successful Rev- 
olution, at least to be silent. We perhaps ought to add to our 
slight notice of the suspicions against the highly respectable 
Dr. Stockbridges above, that those suspicions did not rest 
merely on the circumstance that they were of the Church of 
England, though it is well remembered that this was considered 
enough at that anxious crisis to induce a visitation from the 
Committee of Safety. An unfortunate occurrence brought the 
elder Dr. into difficulty. He was at that time engaged in the 
practice of medicine in a wider circle than any physician in the 
State, at that time, or perhaps since. He had been caUed to 
Ipswich, and on his return he was unfortunately detained many 
days by General Gage in Boston. This was known to the 
authorities of the Town : and as soon as he returned to his 
home, they conducted him to Plymouth whh the design of 
securing him in prison ; but they were soon softened by the 
intercession of the people of Plymouth, and dismissed him. In 
the mean time his son Dr. Charles with several others, was 
conducted under guard to head quarters at Cambridge ; but he 
w^as soon released. It was a suspicious circumstance that he 
had been found, with a few others, walking on the beach, 
between the third and fourth cliffs, apparently waiting for some 
communication from Boston by w"ater. 

In the summer of 1776, a regiment was encamped near the 
north Meeting-house, and many of them were lodged in that 
house. The English had landed at Hingham, and done some 
little injury about that time, which led to this precaution. The 
regiment was kept on duty until winter ; and was removed to 
the harbour in October. Col. W^illiam Turner had the com- 
mand. 

We subjoin an imperfect list of officers and soldiers who 
served in the Revolutionary War. 

Col. John Jacob. Major Nathaniel Winslow. 

Col. John Clap. Major William Turner. 

* Ho was made a forage master about New York. 



140 



RKVOI.TTTIONARY WAR. 



Capt. Jonathan Turner. 
Capt. Peter Sears, corps of 

Mechanicks. 
Capt. Williams Barker, at R. I. 



Capt. Joshua Jacob. 
Capt. Amos Turner. 
Dr. Lemuel Cushing, surgeon, 
third regiment. 



Soldiers who have drawn the pension under the late law. 



James Barrell, dead. 

Noah Barrell, son of above. 

Elisha Gross, dead. 

Stephen Totman, dead. 

William Hyland, drew pension 
at first, but not at present. 

James Lincoln. 

Matthew Tower, dead. 

Lieut. Edward Daman, (Me- 
chanicks), dead. 

David Jordan, dead. 

Simeon Grandison, colour, at 
taking of Burgoyne. 

Thomas Church, dead. 

Hill. 

John Manson. 

Gideon Young. 

Edward Humphries, dead. 

Oliver Winslow. 



Amasa Hyland, now of Win- 
chendon. 

Most of the above served during 
the war, as also several oth- 
ers who deceased long since. 

William Perry. 

Dwelley Clap. 

Ephraim Palmer. 

Consider Tm'ner. 

Benjamin Turner. 

John Tower, killed at Charles- 
ton). 

Lynde Tower, died in Vt. 

Stephen Vinal. 

Robert Cook, died 183L 

Elisha Turner. 

Dea. Elisha James, (Mechan- 
icks), living. 



Besides these we might collect a long list who served in 
short campaigns or in the State service : — a few of whom are 
living, e. g. : 

Jesse Dunbar, Esq. John Whitcomb. 

Elisha Briggs. Daniel Merritt. 

Lazarus Bowker. 

The soldiers of the Revolution are fast dropping away. It 
will be seen in our list that seven only now draw pensions. 

Tuesday, May 23, 1780, "The Town had under considera- 
tion the Constitution prepared by the Convention at Cambridge 
in 1779, and accepted every article, save the eleventh article 
respecting the House of Representatives, and the first article, 
respecting the Judiciary." 

There is nothing of any interest that we can here relate, that 
has any connexion with this Town, during the brief troubles 
with Great Britain in 1794. It was aUogether a maritime 



THE LATE WAR. 141 

obstruction. Minute men were required to be raised throughout 
the Towns, but were never called into service. We observe 
in the Town records of that year : " Chose a Committee to 
raise minute men, according to requisition of Government, viz. 
Eh Curtis, Chandler Clap, Israel Vinal, Daniel Litchfield, 
James Clap, Calvin Daman, George Torrey, John Tolman, 
Joseph Jacob, Enoch Collamore." The apprehensions of a 
war were happily removed by Mr Jay's Treaty in November 
of that year. 



War with Great Britain 1812. 

The war which was declared against England June 18, 1812, 
and which was terminated by the treaty of Ghent, December 
1814, had its theatre remote from New England principally, 
and was scarcely felt by the people of this Town, save by the 
privations which were sustained in the interruption of business, 
and in the scarcity of foreign articles of produce. The inter- 
course between the States was so far interrupted in 1813 and 
1814, that flour bore the price of ^18 per barrel, and corn $2 
per bushel, and even 2,50cts. The war was conducted chiefly 
by soldiers voluntarily enlisted. No citizen of this Town bore 
any conspicuous part either as officer or soldier. The army 
raised on that occasion is well known to hav^e been of a very 
different character from those in former wars of which we have 
been speaking, when hfe, honor, liberty being at stake, called 
forth "the lords of human kind." We mean this only as a 
general remark, while we acknowledge that the army was 
furnished with many distinguished officers. 

We do not recollect that Scituate sustained the loss of a 
man. We will however record, that Theophilus Witherell 
(a lineal descendant of Samuel, the brother of the brave Serj. 
Theophilus, who was " crippled for life " in the " great Narra- 
gansett fight," 1675,) was wounded and crippled like his 
ancestor, in a northern expedition. 

The militia of Scituate were called out on one occasion, viz. 
July 7, 1814. The British 74, called the Bulwark, had lain 
near Scituate harbour several weeks, and had sent a demand 
on shore for fresh beef and vegetables, which the citizens of 
course did not furnish. Early in the morning of June 11, 1814, 
two tenders manned with marines, had come into the harbour 
and set fire to the shipping, and returned without further vio- 
lence. By this act, hardly to be denominated honorable 



142 THE LATE WAR. 

warfare, ten vessels, fishing and coasting craft, were lost. The 
Rev. Mr Thomas of the north Society, had the resolution, 
immediately to go on board the Bulwark, and to request of the 
commander a candid declaration, what further violence might 
be proposed, and received an assurance, that nothing further 
was intended, after having destroyed the vessels, which might 
bring some revenue to the Government. The regiment of 
militia, as we have noticed above, under Col. John Barstow, 
repaired to the neighborhood of the harbour, but soon returned 
to their homes. A guard was kept for some months, but no 
rencounter took place. 

It is too recent and too well known to be related as history 
at this time that a majority of the citizens of this Town and of 
New England did not agree to the necessity of this war ; and 
at its close did not believe that any advantage had been gained, 
which might not have been gained by negociation without the 
war : and on the other hand the majority of Congress and of 
the citizens of the United States, declared the war to be just 
and necessary. It is equally well remembered, that the citizens 
of this country were then divided into two great parties in 
politicks, which denominated each other the French and English 
party, and accused each other with an undue partiality toward 
those nations respectively. The lines of these parties began to 
be distinctly drawn in 1792 and 3. France and England 
were at war. In their struggle they paid but little regard to the 
rights of neutral nations. England with her thousand ships of war 
blockaded many of the ports of France ; and France declared 
England to be blockaded without any naval force : hence the 
origin of " paper blockades," in the common language of those 
times: England retaliated in kind, and both powers made prize 
of American vessels with little regard to neutral rights. In 
addition to this there was another and more irritating grievance 
of which the United States complained against England. 
England alleged that many of her own seamen had fraudulently 
obtained certificates of protection as American citizens, in the 
American merchant service, which was true beyond doubt. 
The common artifice practised in such cases was, to purchase 
these certificates of American seamen and adopt their names. 
England feeling herself strong in her right to the services of 
her own citizens in time of war, proceeded to search American 
vessels wherever they were met with, and in reclaiming British 
seamen, the officers were not very accurate in making distinctions, 
so that it sometimes happened that American seamen were 
impressed. These subjects of irritation were agitated with 



ABORIGINES. 



143 



increasing violence from 1806 to 1812, when tiie United States 
proceeded to declare war. A treaty negotiated by Mr Munroe, 
tlien minister to the Court of St. James, which was thought by 
many to have been as advantageous as that finally obtained at 
the close of the war, was rejected by President Jefferson, 
without submitting it to the Senate, probably because he fore- 
saw that if this treaty should be ratified, war with France would 
be inevitable. Had the English party, so called, been in power 
in the United States, this would perhaps have been the result : 
but the other party being in power, the election was made for 
war with England. 



Aborigines. 

Scituate, like most of the towns in Plymouth Colony, had 
been nearly depopulated of the natives by the small pox, a 
few years before the English made a permanent settlement on 
this coast. But there were many evidences left, that it had 
been thickly peopled. They were the Matakeesetts, and con- 
trolled by the chief or sachem of the Massachusetts. The 
principal encampment of the remnants of this tribe at the time 
Scituate was settled, was about the ponds in Pembroke. They 
visited the sea shore often for fishing and fowling, but not many 
resided here. Several places in the Town still retain the 
ancient aboriginal names, viz. Musquashcutpond, at Farm neck, 
and Assinippi, vulgarly called Snappet, and Conihassett. In- 
deed the name of the Town is the aboriginal name, derived 
from the brook that falls into the harbour. That brook was 
called by the Indians Satuit, which means cold brook, and the 
name of the Town has the same orthography in our earliest 
records in 1633 — shortly after it was written Seteat — then 
Cittewat, and not until about 1640, was the present orthography 
settled. That the population here had been considerable, 
appears from the facts that the English found planting lands of 
some extent, which were still cleared of forest trees, viz. the 
glades and the cliffs, which were then of greater extent than at 
present, the place called Greenfield, and a part of " belle house 
neck." On that neck, or rather a small neck connected with 
it called Schewsan's neck, tradition speaks of an Indian bury- 
ing ground : and another burying ground is well attested at 
Groundsell hill, a gravelly mound, a few rods east of the resi- 
dence of the late Joshua Bryant. They soon left this place 
after the English came. A few families made a summer resi- 



144 ABORIGINES. 

dence at Wigwam neck, as late as 1700.* Tlie family of 
Attaman remained in their wigwam near Spring swamp, a half 
century later : and somewhat later Simon was living at Simon's 
hill, and remembered by some of our aged people. The last 
of all the Matakeesetts in this Town was Comsitt, a bright and 
enterprising man, who enlisted into the Revolutionary army 
and lost his life. His family received some assistance from 
the Town as late as 1786.f 

Though the settlers at Scituate found the region almost 
without inhabitants, yet they were conscientious enough to 
extinguish the Indian tide by fair purchase of the Chief of the 
Matakeesetts, as by the following document may appear. 

" Plymouth June 1653. 

" I Josias Wampatuck do acknowledge and confess that 
I have sold two tracts of land unto Mr Timothy Hatherly, Mr 
James Cudworth, Mr Joseph Tilden, Humphry Turner, Will- 
iam Hatch, John Hoar and James Torrey, for the proper use 
and behoof of the inhabitants of the Town of Scituate, to be 
enjoyed by them according to the true intents of the English 
grants : The one parcel of such land is bounded from the 
mouth of the North River as that River goeth to the Indian 
head River, from thence as that River goeth unto the pond at 
the head of that River, and from the pond at the head of the 
Indian head River upon a straight line unto the middle of 
Accord Pond : from Accord Pond, by the line set by the 
Commissioners as the bounds betwixt the two Jurisdictions, 
untill it met with the line of the land sold by me unto the 
sharers of Conihassett, and as that line runs between the Town 
and the shores, untill it cometh unto the sea :| and so along by 
the sea, unto the mouth of the North River aforesaid. The 
other parcell of land lying on the easterly side of the North 
River, begins at a lot which was sometime the land of John 
Ford, and so to run two miles southerly as the River runs, and 
a mile in breadth towai'ds the east, for which parcell of land, I 
do acknowledge to have received of the men whose names are 
before mentioned, fourteen pounds in full satisfaction, in behalf 
of the inhabitants of the Town of Scituate as aforesaid ; and I 

* The wigwam of the family of Tantachu was near Roljert Whitcomb's 
farm in Beach woods, in 1700 and earlier. 

f The Indian families of Opechus, Tanlachu and Attaman remained 
until 1740. 

i At Satuit brook which falls into the harbour. 



ABORIGINES. 145 

do hereby promise and engage to give such further evidence 
before the Governor as the Town of Scituate shall think meet, 
when I am thereunto required ; in witness wherof, I have 
hereunto set my hand in presence of 
Nathaniel Morton, 

Edmund Hawes, Josias Wampatuck,* 

Samuel Nash. his cqd mark." 

"At the same time when Josias made acknowledgment as 
above mentioned, there was a Deed brought into Court which 
he owned to be the Deed which he gave to them whose names 
are above specified for the said lands, and that he had not 
given them another : which deed was burnt in presence of 
the Court. 

Nathaniel Morton, Secretary." 

The first deed, we believe, was made before 1640: the 
intent of this latter conveyance was to include the " two mile," 
which had been purchased since. 

We learn from the above document also, that the same 
sachem had sold his title in the Conihassett proprietary before 
this time : and probably at the time of the grant made by the 
Court in 1637. That original deed we have not seen. But 
after the decease of the sachem Josias Wampatuck, his son 
Josias claimed some further allowance from the Conihassett 
partners, and they gratified him with the sum of £14, and 
received a deed, dated February 3, 1686—7, and acknowledged 
before the Council of Sir Edmund Andros, Governor General. 
This deed is in the Conihassett records, signed Josias Wam- 
patuck, son and heir to Josias Wampatuck." 

It has been very common for people to lament over the 
fallen fortunes of the Natives of these shores, and to criminate 
the forefathers for driving them from their wonted forests, and 
occupying their lands by force, or purchasing them for an 
madequate trifle. As general remarks, we believe these to be 
the cant of very superficial readers and reasoners, and certainly 
without the least truth or pertinency so far as respects Plymouth 

* Josias was a faithful friend of the English. We find he was a minor in 
1641, (see a remonstrance of the town of Braintree against tiie claim of 
Richard Thayer to lands purcliased of Josias 1G41, Hinckley papers). lie 
was son of Chicatabut, chief of the Mass. The residence of Chicatabut 
was at Neponset river, near .Squantiim : but he claimed the country to the 
North river, and the ponds in Pembroke. He died November 1G33, (Dr. 
Harris's History of Dorchester), Josiah Wampatuck was his son, one of wisose 
Bons was Jeremy ; and Charles Josiah (son of Jeremy) was the last of the race. 

19 



146 TOPOGRAPHY. 

Colony. The lands were purchased whenever a tribe could 
be found to allege the slightest claim. The sums paid were 
small, but they were a sufficient compensation to the few wan- 
dering natives whom the pestilence had spared, and who could 
make no use of the lands ; nay, they were often above the full 
value of the lands to the English. These lands were a danger- 
ous and uncultivated wilderness, and had they been received 
without compensation, they would have been a perilous and 
costly possession. Plymouth Colony claimed not a foot of 
land but by fair purchase, save the little districts of Pocassett, 
Showaraett, Assonet and Mount Hope, and these were dearly 
won, if ever lands were so won, by conquering an unjust and 
unrelenting enemy. There is reason to lament that the author- 
ities of Plymouth yielded to the imaginary necessity of execut- 
ing the brave Anawon, and especially that they sold into slavery 
Metacomet's (Philip's) youthful son : but the justice and hu- 
manity generally shown to the natives, will be more apparent, 
the more we examine the subject. " Philip's Boy goes now to 
be sold," (see letter from John Cotton, March 19, 167G-7, 
Cotton papers). 

Topography. 

The Territory of Scituate is of very irregular shape, having 
on its south and east a winding brook and river, and on its 
north the indented margin of the bay. The harbour, the river, 
and the principal brooks, we have sufficiently described under 
other heads. The four cliffs are on the margin of the bay 
between the harbour and the mouth of the North river, distant 
from each other nearly a half mile, showing sandy fronts, from 
one to two hundred feet in height. Colman's hills, called in 
early records "the high hills," are an elevated table land 
between the harbour and river's mouth, from the top of which 
a very extensive prospect is commanded, embracing the whole 
bay with the two capes. The glades are a point of land on 
the extreme north, extending to the entrance of Cohasset 
harbour. This tract of land is generally rocky, and shoots 
into beautiful and romantic shapes. There is a portion of 
excellent arable land, at the north point. Farm Neck is a 
large tract of excellent arable land near to the glades, and is 
nearly surrounded by marsh. Belle house neck is in the 
vicinity of the North river, four miles from its mouth, containing 
nearly an hundred acres of good arable land. Brushy hill is 
a round and regular eminence, a half mile south-east of the 



TOPOGRAPHY. 147 

first Society's Meeting-house. Walnut Tree hill, a very early 
name, so called from the circumstance that the black walnut 
was indigenous there, is an eminence near the seat of the late 
Judge William Gushing. Hoop-pole hill is very elevated, 
being one mile west of the south JMeeting-house. Cordwood 
hill lies three fourths of a mile south-west of the above named 
house : and one mile farther south is a much higher elevation 
called Randall hill, or in more modern times Studley hill. One 
mile west of the latter is Wild Cat hill, an ancient name. On 
the north-west border of the Town are three lofty elevations, 
forming a triangle with a deep swamp in the centre, of a mile 
in extent; they are called Mount Blue (on the south), Mount 
Hope (on the north-west), and Mount Ararat (on the east). Two 
miles in a south-west direction from these, is Prospect hill, the 
highest elevation in the Town ; it lies partly in Hingham. One 
mile and an half from the Town-house in a westerly direction 
from the territorial centre, is Black Pond hill, and on its west 
declivity is Black pond, a deep, cold collection of water cover- 
ing about four acres : it discharges into North river by the 
second Herring brook. Accord pond, so called, because in 
early times the commissioners who settled the line between 
Plymouth and Charles river patents, accorded or agreed that 
the line should intersect that pond, lies on the extreme south- 
west of the Town, and lies partly in each of the four towns of 
Scituate, Hingham, Hanover and Abington. It is a clear and 
deep collection of water, covering about seventy acres.* 

There is no part of Plymouth Colony so diversified with 
hills and vallies, rocky declivities and deep morasses as Scituate. 
It more nearly resembles the undulated surface of Worcester 
county, than any other part of these ancient territories. 

The lines of the Town enclose about forty-five square miles. 
A survey of the outlines of the Town was accomplished, and 
a plan prepared by order of General Court in 1794, by Charles 
Turner, jr., Esq. That is in the Secretary's office. 

A. D. 1830, another and more particular survey was ordered 
by the General Court, which is to be made, according to con- 
tract with the selectmen, by Mr J. G. Hales of Boston : it was 
not completed in 1830. The General Court extended the time 
for completing these surveys. Mr Hales is now (April 1831) 
performing the work. He is engaged to prepare a plan for the 
us^e of the State, and also to draft a Town map for engraving. 

* Musqnasltcut pond and liarlmnr named in this work, we conjecture to be 
a slii'lit corruption of MisliquapliLUci^, " a place of red cedars or red shrubs." 
The red cedar grows in great abundance in tiiat vicinity. 



148 HISTORY. 



Natural History. 

The early records of Scituate mention the Live Oak forests, 
particularly in the vicinity of Colman's hills : but whether this 
was a species of the oak not known here at present, or other- 
wise, we can by no means determine. The white oak, by 
name, is also mentioned nearly at the same time ; from which 
we might conclude that the live oak was not the same tree. 
The black wahiut was indigenous to some parts of the Town. 
The last of those noble forest trees was felled upon the east 
side of Walnut Tree hill, near the road, in 1820. Its trunk 
was more than three feet in diameter. We have no doubt that 
it was more than two centuries old. There is a frequent men- 
tion in our early records of Spruce swamps. The spruce has 
nearly disappeared. Two varieties of the walnut are now 
common. The oak appears in several varieties, as the red, 
black, yellow, and two species of the white. The button wood 
grows naturally in the south part of the Town. The beach is 
so abundant in the north-west section, that this part of the 
Town has been called " the beaches," and the beach woods, 
from the earliest times. The white pine is the most abundant 
in general, and of very rapid growth, of which there are two 
species, the soft, upland, or pumpkin pine, and the swamp pine, 
that somewhat resembles the yellow pine of the west, but of 
inferior value to that. The white maple is rapid in its growth, 
and furnishes abundant fuel. The black, white, and yellow 
birch, and the black and white ash, and the hornbeam and elm 
are common. Extensive swamps of white cedar are in the 
westerly section of the Town, and the red cedar common to 
every part, but more abundant at the glades than elsewhere. 
That beautiful ever-green, the holly, is common to most of our 
woodlands — and the elegant flowering shrub, the mountain 
laurel, may be seen at Mount Blue, and in many other parts of 
the Town. It is a common and just remark, that there is and 
has been a rotation of forest trees, viz. when a pine forest has 
been felled the oak has sprung up, and when the oak has been 
felled it has been succeeded by the pine : as also the cedar 
and the maple forests have been rotatory in like manner. 

As to the quantity of fuel, it is believed that it has scarcely 
diminished in the last half century. The ancient forests of oak 
have been converted to ships, but they have been followed by 
the more thrifty pine, so that there is no scarcity of fuel. The 



MINERALOGY. 149 

prices of fuel per cord vary from two to four dollars ; according 
to the quality. 

These forests abounded, in early times, with the animals 
common to New England. The bear w^as not uncommon in 
1700, and perhaps later: but seems to have been a much more 
harmless animal than the wolf. For nearly a century the Town 
voted a yearly bounty for the destruction of the wolf: and in 
1673, they divided out the swamps and required each man to 
clear a given number of acres, in order to break up the dens 
of the wolf. Wild cats were so common, and so destructive to 
the sheep, that a bounty on these also was long continued. J'Volf 
Trap and Wild Cut are well known places to this day. Deer 
were preserved by a law of the Colony, and this Town kept 
up its committee "to prosecute that law," until 1780, or later. 
The racoon is not uncommon in our forests now, and often 
plunders the corn fields in autumn. The fox still makes his 
burrows, and several are taken yearly. 

The marshes are visited in autumn with countless varieties 
of birds of passage, and the river and coast with fowls of all 
kinds that have been here known : but they are gradually 
diminishing, and hardly now repay the toil of the fowler. The 
black bird that was so abundant a century ago as to sweep off 
whole cornfields occasionally, is now rarely seen. 



Mineralogy. 

The rocks are all primitive granite or sienite, generally 
approaching to the globular form, and rarely appearing in large 
masses or quarries. At the glades they appear in considerable 
masses, and are broken into irregular fissures : but no regular 
layers, and no secondary rocks are seen. The soil in general 
is composed of the silex and argilla, in a mixture very favorable 
to vegetation. As a general remark, we may observe that in 
the northern section, the mixture is more uniform, and in the 
southern section silicious hills and plains and argillaceous vallies 
are more distinctly marked. 

The beds of clay from which bricks have been manufactured 
we have noticed under another head. 

Iron ore is found in several parts of the Town, but in no 
great quantities. Some has been dug for use within the last 
twenty years, at Spring-brook meadow, by Mr James Torrey. 
Some specimens of quartz in regular crystals have been found 
in the neighborhood of Wild Cat hill. 



150 CHANGES. 



Physical Changes. 

The cliffs have gradually wasted by the attrition of the tides 
and storms. Comparing the third cliff with the number of acres 
of planting land originally laid out, we find that it is reduced 
nearly one half in two centuries. The fourth cliff wastes from 
twelve to sixteen inches per annum. A large rock in front of 
the fourth cliff that now lies at low water mark, is remembered 
by many, to have been at the top of the cliff, two hundred feet 
above its present bed, and several feet within the edge of the 
precipice, half a century since. The other cliffs probably 
waste in the same proportion. The beach between the third 
and fourth cliff, is composed of sand and pebbles, and resists 
the attrition of the tides more than the cliffs : yet it is slowly 
wasting, and the river probably will eventually find its outlet 
between those cliffs. 

The great earthquake on the 18th of November 1755, is 
well remembered by many of our aged people. They describe 
the violent agitation of the eardi as continuing about fifteen 
minutes ; in which time the walls were all thrown down, the 
tops of chimneys broken off, and in many instances the whole 
chimney stacks shaken down into the rooms, and many houses 
disjointed and nearly destroyed. The whole surface of the 
earth was seen to wave hke the swellings of a sea, and occa- 
sionally breaking into fissures. It happened at day dawn in 
the morning, and brought the people from their beds in dreadful 
consternation. The rumbling of the earth, and the crashing of 
the falling walls, &c. was like the loudest thunder, and the 
commotion and roaring of the sea is described as no less terrible 
by those who lived near its margin. Several water spouts bursted 
out in the Town; we can name particularly, one near the 
brook at Sweet swamp, on the border of Dea. Joseph Bailey's 
garden. It threw out a considerable quantity of reddish sand 
of a singular appearance, and the spring thus opened continues 
to run to the present time. Another fissure of considerable 
magnitude was made on the south side of " great swamp," so 
called. 



MANNERS. 151 



Manners, Customs, he. 



Many of the fathers of Scituate were men of good education 
and easy fortune, who had left homes akogether enviable, save 
in the single circumstance of the abridgment of their religious 
liberty. In 1639, this Town contained more men of distin- 
guished talents, and fair fortune, than it has contained at any 
period since. They were "the men of Kent," celebrated in 
Enghsh history as men of gallantry, loyalty and courtly manners. 
Gilson, Vassall, Hatherly, Cudworth, Tilden, Hoar, Foster, 
Stedman, Saffin, Hinckley and others had been accustomed to 
the elegances of life in England. It was a natural and una- 
voidable consequence, that in this wilderness, a less polished 
race should succeed ; and yet many of these fathers survived 
the darkest period of the Colony, and gave a lasting impression 
of their manners upon posterity. 

Slavery was practised to a considerable extent ; but they 
had no occasion to import servants of this description, for they 
won them " with their sword and their bow." The wills of the 
first generation often make provision for Indian servants, but 
rarely mention an African slave. We have seen but one in- 
stance of this kind previous to 1690. Subsequently to 1700, 
African slaves had pretty generally been purchased by the 
wealthy families : and the posterity of that race is now more 
numerous in this Town, than in any other town of the ancient 
Colony. 

It was a superstitious age when this country was first settled, 
and we are not to suppose that the fathers of Scituate were 
wholly exempt from the weakness of that age ; and it is not 
improbable that the dangers of the wilderness may have con- 
tributed something towards nourishing those superstitions. 

It is not an unpleasing subject of reflection to the descendants 
of the fathers of Plymouth Colony, that religious intolerance 
and her twin sister superstition, never were suffered to reign so 
absolutely here as in some other Colonies. 

Witchcraft. 

The first indictment for witchcraft in New England, was at 
Hartford, Connecticut, in 1647, when the first execution also 
took place for that offence, " against God and the King." The 
only indictments in Plymouth Colony for witchcraft were 



152 WITCHCRAFT. 

against two persons of Scituate, which we have extracted from 

the Colony records. 

A. D. 16G0, "William Holmes' wife was accused for beinge 

a witch. Dinah Sylvester accuser and witness sworne, said 

she saw a beare about a stone's throw from the path * * 
•»*** ***** 

* * * (blank in the records.) * * * 
But being examined and asked what manner of tayle the beare 
had, she said she could not tell, for his head was towards her.'* 
The accused was discharged. It is natural to conjecture, in 
looking at the manner in which this trial is entered on the 
original records, that the testimony was too ridiculous to be 
recorded in full. The bear was doubtless alleged by the 
witness to have been William Holmes's wife in that shape. The 
good sense of the Governor and assistants triumphed over 
superstition in a fortunate time, to check accusations of this 
kind. In looking at the records of the next Court, we were 
happy to observe that " Dinah Sylvester was summoned before 
the Court, and sentenced to be whipt, or to make publicke 
acknowledgment (paying the costs of prosecution) for false 
accusation against William Holmes' wife." She chose the 
latter, and her acknowledgment of " maliciously accusing the 
woman," was entered on the pubHc records in 1661. 

The other indictment was against Mary Ingham, March 
1676, as follows: 

"Mary Ingham, thou art indicted by the name of Mary 
Ingham, the wife of Thomas Ingham of Scituate, for thou, not 
having the feare of God before thine eyes, hast, by the helpe 
of the Devil, in a way of witchcraft or sorcery, maliciously 
jjrocured much hurt, mischiefF and paine, unto the body of 
Mehitabel Woodworth, daughter of Walter Woodworth of 
Scituate, and to some others, particularly causing her to falle 
into violent fits, and causing her great paine unto several partes 
of her body at several tymes, so that the said Mehitabel hath 
been almost bereaved of her senses ; and hath greatly languished 
to her much suffering thereby, and procuring of greate grieffe 
sorrow and charge to her parents : all which thou hast procured 
and done, against the law of God, and to his g-eate dishonor, 
and contrary to our Sovereign Lord the King, his crown and 
dignity." 

She was tried by a jury of twelve men — "Verdict, not 
guilty." It was natural at that superstitious day, that a person 
affected with nervous insanity, should look round for some one 
on whom to charge those sufferings. Ingham's wife was aged. 



LIST OF FREEMEN. 



153 



and probably lived in retirement, conversing little with this 
world, and hence was suspected to hold converse with invisible 
beings. Thus, however, ended indictments for witchcraft in 
this Colony : happy would it have been, had good sense else- 
where as soon triumphed over superstition.* There is, how- 
ever, some apology for the governments of Connecticut and 
Massachusetts, vizt that witchcraft was believed in and punished 
in England at the time that moral disease broke forth in this 
country. Even the great Sir Matthew Hale had prescribed 
rules for detecting witches. 

The belief in the reality of witchcraft has long since been 
abandoned, and few persons, within the last half century, have 
spoken of witchcraft or ghosts or haunted houses, except as a 
superstition which was unworthy of their own times. The last 
haunted house here was that of Lathrop Litchfield, in the part 
of the Town called the Beach woods, nearly forty years since. 
A knocking was heard in a closet and repeated almost daily 
for many months : and though several gentlemen of a good 
share of philosophy endeavored to investigate the cause, it 
could never be satisfactorily explained : it ought however to 
be stated, that no gentleman of the above description was found 
to allow that there was any supernatural cause. Dr. Barnes 
was invited to try his skill in the investigation, but unfortunately 
the ghost would not knock while the Doctor was there. 



A List of the Freemen from 1633 to 1649. 



William Gilson 
Anthony Annable 
Humphry Turner 
William Hatch 
Henry Cobb 
Samuel House 



1633. 



Isaac Robinson 

Mr James Cudworth 1634. 

Samuel Fuller 

John Cooper 

Henry Rowley 

Mr Timothy Hatherly 1635. 



^ In the Massnrliiiselts Colonv recoids, we observe ihat the first infli( t- 
ment for witclicr.tft wasiri lG4rf. ''Court Order. This Court (being de.-iroiis 
th.Tt the same course whirh hath been taken in England tor the disco\cry of 
witclies by watching, tn;iy also bo taken here with the witr li now in fjneslion), 
do order that a strict watch he set about her every niglit, and tliat lier hus- 
band be confined to a private roonie and watched also." 

The accused was Margaret Jao'jb (alias Jones). VVinthrnp describes Jier 
confinement, and gives some details of the evidence. The persons who 
were appointed spies, alleged that " they saw a little cinlrl coniiri;; in 
and going out from iier repeatedly, and when iliey pursued the child, it 
vanislied." 

On such testimony, the poor woman was condemned and executed. 

20 



154 



LIST OF FREEMEN. 



George Kenrick 

Edward Foster 1636. 

George Lewis 

Bernard Lombard 

Mr John Lothrop 1637. 

Henry Bourne 

Mr Thomas Besbedge 

Samuel Hinckley 

John Lewis 

Richard Sealis 1638. 

Edward Fitzrandle 

Wilham Casely 1639. 

Robert Linnet 



John WiUiams 

Mr Thomas Dimmack 

John Twisden 

Thomas Chambers 

John Hews (the Welshman) 

Mr Charles Chauncy 1640. 

William Parker 

Walter Woodworth 

Edmund Edenden 1641. 

Thomas Clapp 1645. 

Edward Jenkins 1647. 

Isaac Stedman 1648. 

John Allen 1649. 



A hst of those who took " the oath of fidelity " from 1633 
to 1668. Many of them were church members, but they 
declined taking "the freeman's oath" at first, which, however, 
most of them eventually did. 



Nathaniel Tilden 
Thomas Bird 
Daniel Stand lake 
Mr William Vassall 
Henry Ewell 
William Crocker 
Robert Shelley 
John Crocker 
Joseph Colman 
Nicholas Wade 
George Willard 
Thomas Hyland 
Thomas Pincin 
Thomas Prior 
Isaac Welles 
William Holmes, sen. 
Henry Merritt 
Thomas Chittenden 
William Perry 
Robert Stetson 
Joseph Checkett 
John Stockbridge 
Edward Casely 
Samuel Jackson 
William Wills 



George Moore 
Joseph Tilden 
Serj. John Bryant 
Hercules Hills 
Lieut. James Torrey 
(Richard) Beaumont 
Joseph Wermall 
James Cushman 
Thomas Weyborne 
Mr Thomas King 
John Vassall 
John Turner, sen. 
Resolved White 
George Russell 
Stephen Vinall 
John Vinall 
Abraham Prebble 
Rhodolphus Ellmes 
Thomas Lapham 
Henry Mason 
Jeremiah Hatch 
Lieut. Isaac Buck 
Walter Briggs 
Gilbert Brooks 
William Curtis 



LIST OF FREEMEN. 



155 



Richard Curtis 
Humphry Johnson 
John Hallet 
William Barstow 
William Brooks 
Walter Hatch 
William Peakes 
John Hanmer 
Ephraim Kempton 
John Sutton 
Peter Collamore 
Matthew Gannett 
Michael Pierce 
William Randall 
Stephen Tilden 
Nathaniel Tilden 
John Palmer 
John Palmer, jr. 
Thomas Palmer 
Elnathan Palmer 
John Turner, jr. 
Thomas Oldham 
Nathaniel Rawlins 
George Pidcoke 
Daniel Hickes 
John Magoon 



Jonas Pickels 
Samuel Utley 
Thomas Ingham 
John Durand 
John Whitcomb 
Robert Whitcomb 
Abraham SutlifFe 
John Whiston 
John Winter 
Christopher Winter 
John Cowen 
John Otis 
John Gushing 



1662. 



1668. 



Charles Stockbridge 

Israel Cudworth 

Experience Litchfield 

John James 

Edward Wanton 

William Ticknor 

William Blackmore 

Anthony Collamore 

William Hatch, jr. (son of) 

Thomas Hatch 

Anthony Dodson 

Richard Dagan 

John Booth 



In the above list, the present inhabitants of the Town will 
see the names that most commonly prevail at the present date. 
Some of them removed early, and left no descendants in this 
Town, as the reader will find noticed in the sequel of this work. 

A list of "allowed and approved inhabitants," to whom 
portions of the common lands were assigned, by the joint com- 
mittee of the Court and the Town in 1673. 



Ensign John Allen 
Mr JYicholas Baker 
Lieut. Isaac Buck 
John Bryant, sen. 
Walter Briggs 
Joseph Barstow 
William Brooks 
John Booth 
William Blackmore 



John Buck, sen. 
John Bumpus 
Widow Bird 
John Bryant, jr. 
John Bailey 
James Briggs 
Isaac Buck 
John Buck, jr. 
John Briggs 



156 



LIST OF FREEMEN. 



Isaac Chittenden 
Peter Collamore 
Richard Curtis 
Thomas Clap 
Thomas Chittenden's heirs 
John dishing 
Major Cudworth 
Nathaniel Church 
William Curtis 
John Curtis 
John Covven 
Anthony Collamore 
Samuel Clap 
Jonathan Cudworth 
Joseph Colman, sen. 
James Cudworth, jr. 
Israel Cudworth 
Zechariah Colman 
Thomas Colman 
Henry Chittenden 
Richard Dwelly 
James Doughty 
Anthony Dodson 
John Daman, sen. 
John Daman, jr. 
Rhodolphus EUmes 
Henry Ewell 
John Ensign 
Widow Ensign 
Widow Garrett 
John Hanmer, sen. 
John Hanmer, jr. 
Thomas Hiland, sen. 
Thomas Hiland, jr. 
Samuel House 
Walter Hatch 
Jeremiah Hatch 
Daniel Hickes 
William Hatch 
Thomas Hatch 
Thomas Ingham 
Edward Jenkins 
William James 
Thomas King, sen. 



Thomas King, jr. 
Josiah Litchfield 
Henry Joslin 
John Merritt 
John Hews' heirs 
Thomas Lapham 
Thomas Nichols 
Thomas Oldham 
William Peakes 
Michael Pierce 
Matthew Gannett 
Samuel Jackson 
George Russell 
Edward Right 
Thomas Pincin, sen. 
Thomas Pincin, jr. 
Cor. Robert Stetson 
Moses Simons 
Joseph Sylvester 
Benjamin Stetson 
Robert Sprout 
John Magoon 
Joseph Stetson 
Abraham SutlifTe 
Thomas Stetson 
Charles Stockbridge 
Richard Standlake 
Samuel Stetson 
Thomas Perry 
Thomas Palmer 
John Palmer, sen. 
John Palmer, jr. 
John Turner, sen. 
John Turner, jr. 
Humphry Turner's heirs 
Daniel Turner 
Thomas Turner 
Nathaniel Turner 
Stephen Tilden 
James Torrey 
Widow Torrey 
Nathaniel Tilden 
Widow Tilden (of Joseph) 
William Ticknor 



Jonathan Turner 
Nathaniel Man 
John Stetson 
Stephen Vhiall 
Mr William Withcrell 
John Vinall 
Thomas Woodworth 
Samuel Witherell 
Theophilus Witherell 
William Wilcome 



CENSUS. 157 



Nicholas Wade 
Robert Whitcomb 
John Hallet 
Joseph White 
Timothy White 
Jonathan Jackson 
John Witherell 
William Parker 
Widow Young 



Several others had a privilege of the commons for wood and 
pasture, but not in further division of land, because they had 
removed and still retained their farms, or because they had 
recently arrived. For example. 

John Safnn's house. He was in Massachusetts 1673. 

John Stockbridge. He had removed to Boston 1647. 

Serj. William Ticknor. He was not a householder 1647. 

John Ranee. He was a travelling Quaker. 

John Nollman. He had recently come into the plantation. 

Israel Hobart. His family then in Hingham. 

Henry Joslin. Recently come from Black Point. 

Edward Wanton. Not a householder in 1647. 

John Otis. Had temporarily removed to Barnstable. 

Timothy Foster. He resided mostly in Dorchester. 

James Davis. Recently arrived in Town. 

Benjamin Chandler, as above. 

Israel Sylvester. Had a house in Marshfield also. 

Nicolas Albeson, (the Sweede, uncertain wherefore). 

United States Census. 

In 1790, (65 of color), 2862 souls. 

1800, 2728. 

No. of houses 420. 

1810, 2969. 

1820, 3235. 

1830, (60 of color), 3512. 
We state the census taken in 1830, viz. 3512, according to 
the list of Mr Berry the agent. 

It having been suspected that the census was taken hastily 
and imperfectly, the Town voted in November 1830, that the 
school agents in each district should be requested to make a 



158 LAND MARKS. 

return as soon as might be, of the census in their respective 
districts. , By that return the population amounts to 3573. 
This includes about sixty people of color. 



Ancient Land Marks. 

It may be useful to describe some of the land marks noticed 
in the early laying out of lands. 

Asp hill, (or Mast hill), in the beach woods near Johnson's 
swamp. 

Belle house neck, near Little's bridge, now Gushing neck. 

Bound brook, falls into the gulph at Lincoln's mills. 

Bound rock, the land mark of the patent line near Lincoln's 
mills. 

Bound brook neck, north-east of Lincoln's mills. 

Black swamp, on Bound brook above the mills. 

Buck's rock, near the gulph meadows. 

Booth's hill, near junction of the roads one mile south Lincoln's 
mills. 

Brushy hill, three fourths mile south-east from the north 
Meeting-house. 

Briggs's harbour, within the glades (or Strawberry cove). 

Bumpas's bridge, ov^er north branch of second Herring brook, 
above Dead swamp. 

Burnt Plain, one mile north west of Hoop-pole hill and south- 
west of Mount Blue. 

Bryant's bridge, over the second Herring brook. 

Brook hall field, north side of Belle house neck. 

Buck's corner, south-east old parsonage, (see Isaac Buck). 

Barstow's hill, on the Plymouth road at Snappet Meeting-house. 

Black pond and hill, one and an half mile west of Town-house. 

Block-house, on North river half mile above Union bridge. 

•Barstow's bridge in 1650 and later, now North river bridge. 

Blue bridge and island, between Hoop-pole Hill and burnt plain. 

Beaver dams, on Satuit brook — on first Herring brook at 
the ancient fulling mill — on second Herring brook at the 
south of Dead swamp — on third Herring brook below old 
pond — also at Valley swamp above Jacob's mills — also 
a half mile west of Nathaniel Brooks's. 

Cedar point, north of the harbour at the Light-house. 

Crow point, on tlie south of the harbour. 

Clay pits, in 1650, half mile east of "the stepping stones." 



LAND MARKS. 159 

Cold spring swamp, 1650, on Merritt's brook. 

Cleft rock, back of John Pierce's, north of Conihassett burying 

ground. 
Castle rock, the point at the gulph mill. 
Cushing hill, (rather modern), half mile east of Jacob's mill. 
Country road, in 1646, leading to Cohasset, in 1670, the 

Plymouth road. 
Cordwood hill, one mile south-west of the south Meeting-house. 
Clay pit cart way, south-west of Cordwood hill, and earlier 

south-east of old Church hill. 
Cornet's rocks, in the North river opposite the Two mile mills. 
Cornet's mill, 1656, at the Indian path below old pond, (Major 

Winslow's). 
Chamberlain plain, north east of Beaver dam or Dead swamp. 
Candlewood plain, between Hanover Meeting-house and Drink- 
water. 
Cricket hole in 1640, west of Jonah's mill (now called) or 

Buttonwood swamp. 
Cedar swamp cart way, 1660, from Booth hill to Merritt's brook. 
Capt. Jacob's cart way 1720, over Beaver dam at Valley swamp. 
Drinkwater, on the west branch of Indian head river, south of 

Hanover. 
Daman's Island, 1649, in the gulph marshes. 
Eagle's nest swamp, the great swamp south-east of Beach woods. 
Flat swamp, between Mount Blue and Mount Ararat. 
Fox hill, one mile south-west of Wild cat hill. 
Farm neck, or Great neck, north of the harbour to the glades. 
Fane Island, 1646, in the marshes at Farm neck. 
Great swamp, (see Eagle's nest). 

Gillman plain, on Plymouth road south of Valley swamp. 
Greenfield, in 1633, he. south half mile of second cliff. 
Gravelly beach, on North river, east side, two miles above 

Union bridge. 
Gray's hill, half mile south of Cordwood hill. 
Great neck, (see Farm neck). 
George Moore's swamp and bridge, south branch of first 

Herring brook. 
Groundsell brook, falls into Bound brook west of Mount Hope. 
Groundsell hill, east part of Belle house neck, also east of 

Joshua Bryant's. 
Gulph Island, at the mouth of first Herring brook. 
Dead swamp, on second Herring brook, one mile from its mouth. 
Dry Cedar swamp, on Merritt's brook, near ancient Studly 

place. 



160 LAND MARKS. 

Hanmer's hook, west of Hanover Meeting-house. 

Hugh's cross and brook, south branch, third Herring brook at 

Curtis's miU. 
Hickes's swamp, east of Brushy hill. 
Hoop-pole hill, one mile west of the south Meeting-house. 
Hoop-pole neck, near Great or Farm neck, west of stepping 

stones. 
Hoop-pole cedar swamp, west of Hoop-pole hill. 
Halifax hill and swamp, one mile south-west mount Blue. 
Horse Island, a marsh island near Farm neck. 
Hatchet rock, near John Olis's, a mile south of the stepping stones. 
Hollet's island, Marsh island near the stepping stones. 
Herring brook hill, on which south Meeting-house stands. 
Hobart's landing, on North river a mile above Little's bridge. 
Dogget's ferry, now Little's bridge. 
Iron mine, or Indian head river brook, half mile south-west 

Hanover corners. 
Indian path, over third Herring brook, foot of Old pond. 
Job's landing, east side North river, below the brick-kilns. 
Jenkins's meadow, east side of Valley swamp. 
Johnson's swamp, west of Beach woods and mount Hope. 
King's landing, half mile below Union bridge. 
Long marsh, on first Herring brook above the mills, (1G40). 
Little marsh, east of the harbour in 1636. 
Log bridge, in 1 650, over third Herring brook at Elijah Barstow's. 
Meeting-house lane, old burying ground south east of the 

harbour, 1633. 
Merritt's brook, falls into Bound brook above the mills. 
Musquashcut pond, at Farm neck, 1637, (near J. B. Tur- 
ner, Esq.) 
Man hill, 1648, east of Musquashcut pond. 
Mast hill, (or Asp), in the Beach w^oods. 
Mount Hope, on the west of the Town, near Hingham and 

Cohasset corners. 
Mount Blue, one mile south-east of mount Hope. 
Mount Ararat, one mile north-east of mount Blue. 
New found marsh, on Spring brook, west of Dead swamp one 

half mile. 
New harbour marshes, from Little's bridge to the cliffs. 
New saw mill, in 1678, above Old pond at Curtis's. 
Old brick yard, in 1647, south-east of Episcopal Church hill. 
Old saw mill, in 1653, at Stockbridge's on first Herring brook. 
Old saw mill, in 1676, on third Herring brook at Indian path, 

(at Winslow's). 



LAND MARKS. 161 

Old bridge, in 1670, at the east foot of Curtis hill or button- 
wood hill. 

Prouty's dam, 1686, at the road north of Hooppole hill. 

Prospect hill, at Hingham line on the Hersey road. 

Pine Island, below Little's bridge, also near Cohasset harbour. 

Planting Island, south-west of Great or Farm neck. 

Penguin rock, east of Farm neck. 

Project dale, west part of Hanover. 

Rocky swamp, south of third Herring brook below Jacob's mill. 

Ridge hill, mile south-east the Town-house, also on Plymouth 
road. 

Rotten marsh, between Stockbridge's mill and Little's bridge. 

Rotten marsh swamp, south of Rotten marsh. 
• Satuit brook, falls into the creek at the harbour. 

Savage lot, east of mount Blue, formerly property of Thomas 
Savage, Esq. Boston. 

Spring swamp, south of Plymouth road in Hanover, 

Spring brook, west branch of second Herring brook. 

Slab brook, south-west White oak plain, now Margaret's brook. 

Great spring swamp, near North river below Cornet's rocks. 

Stepping stones, from the Cohasset road to Hooppole neck. 

Strawberry cove or Briggs's harbour, within the glades. 

Sweet swamp, near Cohasset road, a half mile north of north 
Meeting-house. 

Stony brook, east branch of Merritt's brook. 

Stony cove, on North river near King's landing. 

Schewsan's neck, north-east of Belle house neck. 

Stockbridge's old way, from Stockbridge's mill to Town- 
house, &;c. 

Sand hill, on Stockbridge's old way, one mile south-west of the 
Town-house. 

Symon's hill, near Burnt plain on south-west. 

Pincin hill, half mile north-east from the Town-house. 

Round head swamp, south of Eagle's Nest swamp. 

Rattle snake hill and rock, half mile west from Wild cat hill. 

Till's creek, 1640, now Dwelley's creek, opposite Gravelly 
beach. 

Taunton Dean bridge, (1680), and brook, south-west of Halifax 
hill and near late John Daman's. 

Valley swamp, above Jacob's mill on second Herring brook. 

White oak plain, one mile west of the south Meeting-house. 
White oak plain bridge, on south east White oak plain. 
Wild Cat hill, 1640, north side of old pond, and south of Cord- 
wood hill one mile and a half. 
21 



162 LAND MAKKS. 

Wolf Trap, near Iron mine brook in Hanover. 

Wigwam neck, near the gulph and Hooppole neck. 

Wanton's brook, east of Hooppole hill. 

William's rock, north west of the light-house. 

Walnut Tree hill, half mile south of Stockbridge's mill. 

Walnut hill, west of Beaver dam on second Herring brook. 

Wills's Island, a marsh island near Little's bridge. 

Walter Woodworth's hill, the N. east part of Walnut Tree hill. 

Fresh marsh, 1690, near Plymouth road. 

Buttonwood swamp, above Jonah's mill, S. W. of Church hill. 

Spruce swamp, S. of Cordwood hill and second Herring brook. 

Digged hill, (1670), where William James's house now stands. 

Torrey's bridge, (1690), near late Walter Jacob's. 

Bardin's forge, (1704), now Curtis's anchor shop in Hanover. 

Stony brook swamp, south-west of Booth hill. 

Henchman's dam, (1700), near Halifax hill. 

Pickell's hole, near late Galen Daman's, half mile south-east of 

Black pond hill. 
Hickes's hole, east side of Great swamp. 
Briggs's neck, at Burnt plain swamp. 
Jacob's frame swamp, west of Symou's hill. 
Cold west hill, fourth of mile south-east of Buttonwood or 

Curtis's hill, (1680). 
Wolf swamp, (see Dead swamp), 1673. 
Ben's hill, half mile south of Symon's hill. 
Church's hill, on Plymouth road half mile west of Hugh's cross 

brook, (Hanover). 
Wampee's swamp, south-west of Hanover Meeting-house. 
Nichols' hill, mile south of the harbour, near Capt. Leonard 

Clap's. 
Turkey plain, near Indian head river in Hanover. 
Beach neck, Curtis street in Hanover. 
Little Cedar swamp, near Indian head river. 
Collamore's ledge, midway between Cedar point and the glades. 
Egypt, a tract of land adjoining Man hill and Musquashcut pond. 
Queen Ann's corner, on the Plymouth road at Hingham line ; 

so called from Ann Whiton, who kept a tavern at that 

place, from 1730, many years. 
Ludden's Ford, on North river above North river bridge on 

Plymouth road. 
Gov. Winthrop in his pedestrian journey to Plymouth in 1632, 
(Winthrop I. 92), named it Luddam's Ford, " from Mr Luddam 
their guide," who carried over the Governor and Rev. Mr 



POST-OFFICES. IC3 

Wilson on his back. We have no doubt that James Ludden,* 
an early settler in Weymouth, was this guide, who had the 
honor to carry his Excellency a-pick-back. 



Post Offices and Roads, 

A Post-office was established in Scituate in 1800, and kept 
by Charles Turner, jr., Esq. the first Post Master. In 1805, 
it was removed to Augustus Clapp's, (P. M.), where it remained 
until 1828, Chandler Clap having been Post Master the two 
last years. In 1828, a Post-office was established at South 
Scituate, J. K. Nash, Post Master : and the same year an office 
was established at West Scituate, on the Plymouth road, Edward 
Jacob, Post Master. In 1829, the old Scituate office was 
removed to Shadrach B. Merritt's, Post Master, and in the 
same year an Office was established at the harbour, Gideon W. 
Young, Post Master. There are now four offices in the Town. 

A mail passed through Scituate to Plymouth from the time 
of the establishment of the Post-Office department : and another 
from Boston by way of Cohasset, since 1800. These have 
been carried by stage coaches nearly the whole time. An 
accommodation coach began to pass from South Scituate to Bos- 
ton in March 1 828, owned by a company of gentlemen of Scituate : 
it is now (since January 1831) owned by Mr Doolittle of Boston 
and Mr Parker Jones. The excellent hotel in West Scituate 
on the Plymouth road, was first established by Eliphalet Leon- 
ard about 1800, who was largely concerned in the Plymouth 
stages. The masters that have succeeded in that house have 
been Davis Whiton, James W. Sivret and John Smith. 



* In the Weymnutli records we notice Marv daiiglifer of. Tames and Alico 
Ludden, born 1033 — Sarah 1639 — John 1050. Sarah married Daniel 
Fairfield 1659. The name is written Louden in Plymouth county at lliis 
time. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



PREFACE. 

In presenting to the publick the following Family Sketches, it may not 
be improper, by way of preface, to observe, that though many of the 
families in our catalogue cannot exhibit a line of illustrious names, yet they 
are such as partook in the perils of founding and defending this country, in 
times when courage, constancy and patience were indeed common virtues, 
but not the less admirable to us for being common at that time. There 
needs no apology for attempting to preserve the genealogies of those 
families, who occupied these hills in those early times : it is all the nobility 
we have ; and it is nobility enough, when we can trace our descent from 
the fathers of New England. 

Nature is wonderfully impartial in the distribution of intellectual talents : 
and it seems to be the fixed order of Providence, that families, in this 
respect, should flourish and decline : nay, often, that an individual should 
spring forth into eminence, whose " origin was as obscure as that of 
the spark, which by the collision of steel and adamant, s struck out of 
darkness." 

It is highly instructive to learn the character, opinions, and manners of 
those men, and to follow them in their transaction of the concerns of their 
young communities, and to observe what an impress they were giving to 
the character of future generations, and how, almost unconsciously, they 
were preparing the foundation for a free and illustrious empire. This is 
the philosophy of history. But the muse of history is a sister and inmate 
of that of Poetry. Few subjects are more agreeable (at least to many 
minds) than that of contemplating the characters of the men who first broke 
the soil which we now cultivate, and few things can more excite the 
imagination, than to muse upon the spot where they lighted their domestic 
fires, or to walk over the green turf that covers their remains. 

It would, however, be weakness in us to hold the memory of our 
ancestors in undiscriminating admiration. They were men, and had their 
faults, for which it is hardly apology enough to say, that they were the 
faults of the age. In their opposition to the Church of England, they 
were often found contending against the most unessential forms, as if they 
involved the deepest principles of religion: and their nonconformity, even 
in these. dPi/encr al*-d to nhstinarv. Bu' then if was dpfcnsive obstinacv : 



166 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

and the contest, though nominally relating to so trifling a question, as 
whether a cap should be round or square, in reality, involved the question 
of liberty or subjection. 

It was their object to found a pure and harmonious Church ; and in 
pursuing that object, they committed mistakes rather than crimes. In the 
first place they had not profited by their own example in England, as well 
as the example of all Christendom, to learn that a community or church 
of perfectly harmonious sentiments was a vision and not reality. Then 
after having defended, with a martyr's zeal, the liberty of interpreting the 
Scriptures for themselves, they hastened to the inconsistency of claiming a 
right of interpreting the Scriptures for others. And again, in order to 
preserve the greatest practicable degree of unity of opinion, instead of the 
true policy of toleration, they embraced the mistaken policy of ptirsecution. 
Yet it was in some degree defensive, because they were rather desirous to 
remain unmolested by others, than to invade their faith or practif-e. This 
furnishes some apology for their desires to keep out the Quakers from their 
communities: but the apology would go farther, had they not manifested 
both a vindictive spirit towards foreigners who came to disturb their peace, 
and a censoriousness nearly as rigorous, towards tiie members of their own 
Churches, who dared to hold an opinion not approved by the majority. 
They ought to have been aware that their own example of resistance 
against the Church of England had fostered and encouraged the resistance 
which they themselves met. 

But after all these abatements, our admiration of their virtues, their 
sufferings and their achievements is deservedly high. Many of them, if 
they had not stood in the ranks of power and nobility, had certainly stood 
in the ranks of the most learned and enlightened people of England : and 
their integrity, their piety, and the purity of their morals in general, were 
unimpeachable. 

It would be filial impiety in us, not to honor their memories: it would 
be the part of ignorance, not to confess, that the spirit of freedom which 
dwelt first in them, has gradually grown up to that more enlightened spirit 
of liberty which is our present glory : and especially would it be the 
part of ingratitude, not to honor their memories for their labours in subduing 
this wilderness, and their sufferings in defending and preserving a home 
for us their posterity. We love to speak of the patriots of the Revolution; 
but we ought to know that we owe less, if possible, to the patriots of 1776, 
than to those of 1676. The one was a contest for liberty : the other a 
struggle for existence. 



• egregias animas, qute sanguine nobis, 



Hanc Patriam peperere suo, decorate supremU 
Muneribus." .\E:f. xi. 21. 



MINISTERS. 167 



Ministers of the First Church. 

Previously to the gathering of a Church under Mr Lothrop, 
January 18, 1634, O. S.* we have found few records tliat 
relate to the teachers of rehgion, who may have visited and 
occasionally officiated at Scituate. 

Mr GILES SAXTON 

was undoubtedly the first who officiated for any considerable 
term of time. We find his name on the list of freemen in 
Massachusetts in 1631. We have no record to show when he 
came to Scituate, nor how long he resided in the plantation : 
we can only infer from incidental dates and facts, that it must 
have been between the years 1631 and 1634. 

Mather, in his Magnalia, furnishes us with all the notice 
which is extant, of Mr Saxton ; and he was ignorant of his 
Christian name. It is our conjecture that it was Giles, and the 
same who took the freeman's oath in 1631. 

Mather thus speaks of him : " JNIr — Saxton was a York- 
shire man, a studious and learned person, and a great Hebrician, 
The unsettled condition of tiie Colony, and some unhappy 
contention in the plantation where he lived, put him upon re- 
moving from Scituate, first to Boston, and so unto England, in 
his reduced age. I find in honest IMr Ryther's devout hooky 
entitled ' a plat for Mariners,' this passage concerning him. 
' An old Puritan Minister, Mr Saxton, of Leeds in Yorkshire, 
in a storm coming from New England, when they were all 
expecting the vessel to sink, said, ' Oh ! who is now for heaven ? 
Who is bound for heaven?'" Mag. I. 536. 

The " unhappy contention in the plantation," of which Mather 
speaks, may have been nothing more than that alluded to in 
Mr Vassall's letter to Mr Wilson, (see Ecclesiastical History), 
viz. concerning the removal of their Meeting-house nearer to the 
North River. A discussion respecting the mode of baptism 
had not yet agitated the plantation, that we can learn. 



* The serond centennial anniversary will fall on January 7, 1835, N. Style. 
See note on, double dating, at the close of this work. 



168 MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 



Mr JOHN LOTHROP. 

By the industrious researches of a descendant of this worthy- 
man, (the late^Rev. John Lathrop, D. D. of Boston), we are 
furnished with many interesting notes of Mr Lothrop, the first 
regularly settled minister of Scituate. He is particularly noticed 
also in Neal's history of the Puritans. He had been a minister at 
Egerton, in Kent in England; and having imbibed the principles 
of the Puritans, he renounced his orders under the Church of 
England, and removed to London, where he found the same 
sentiments gaining ground. This was in 1623. Mr Henry 
Jacob had established the first Congregational Church in Eng- 
land, at London, in the year 1616: it was on the plan of 
Robinson's at Leyden, he having consulted with Mr Robinson 
on the subject. Mr Jacob having removed to Virginia in 1624, 
Mr Lothrop became his successor in London. That Church 
had held their meetings privately, and escaped the vigilance of 
their persecutors for some time : at length, April 29, 1632, they 
were discovered by Tomlinson, the pursuivant of the bishop, 
holding a meeting for religious worship, at the house of Mr 
Humphrey Barnet in Blackfriars. Forty-two of them were 
apprehended, and eighteen only escaped. Mr Lothrop, with 
others, was imprisoned, where he remained until April 1634, 
two full years, and was then set at liberty, on condition of 
departing from the kingdom. Morton, in the New England 
Memorial, remarks, that " during the time of his imprisonment, 
his wife feh sick, of which sickness she died. He procured 
liberty of the bishop to visit his wife before her death, and 
commending her to God in prayer, she soon after gave up the 
ghost." 

He embarked for Boston, with about thirty of his Church 
and people, and arrived September 18, 1634, in the ship 
Griffin : and on the 27th of the same month he proceedecl, 
with his friends, to Scituate, where a considerable settlement 
had already been made by "the men of Kent," and who 
received Mr Lothrop as a former acquaintance. A considera- 
ble accession had been made to the settlement in the autumn 
of the same year, as we observe in the records of Plymouth 
Church, November 23, 1634, Anthony Annable, Henry Cobb, 
George Kenrick, George Lewis, and several others, were 
dismissed from the Plymouth Church, "in case they join in a 
body at Scituate." The Church was gathered on the eigh- 



MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 169 

teentli of the January followins;, and Mr Lothrop " elected into 
office." The ceremonies of induction into office, were the 
laying ou of the hands of the elders with prayer. Those elders 
had probably been elected previously and ordained by the 
Church on the same day. 

During Mr Lothrop's residence in Scituate, ■ he lived on a 
farm, granted by the Court and laid out by their committee, 
on the south-east side of Colman's hills. The place is accu- 
rately marked by deeds of conveyance, viz. nigh the first Herring 
brook where it approaches nearest to the sand hills : bounded 
by Josiah Checket's land west — by John Hewes' and the 
highway south — and by Humphry Turner's east. This place, 
with the buildings, was sold to Mr Hatherly (who was always 
ready to accommodate in affairs of the plantation, with his 
purse) in 1640 : and by Mr Hatherly to Christopher Blackwood 
in 1641 : and by Blackwood to Mr Charles Chauncy in 1642. 
Mr Lothrop had shares in the New Harbour marshes, between 
his house and the North river. 

His ministry here was not prosecuted with great sucess or 
in much peace. The difiiculties with which he was embar- 
rassed, early inclined him to seek another residence for himself, 
and such of his friends as might choose to accompany him, and 
application was made to the Governor accordingly. In the 
memoir prepared by his descendant, above named, two letters 
to Gov. Prence are preserved,* dated at Scituate in 1638, 
touching his proposed removal. In these letters he observes, 
"Many grievances attend me, from the which I would be freed, 
or at least have them mitigated, if the Lord see it good." But 
he so cautiously avoids naming those grievances, that we are 
obliged to seek an explanation from other sources. He remarks 
also, " Your worthy self, together with the rest joined and 
assisting in the Government with you, having gratuitously and 
freely, upon our earnest and humble suits, granted and conferred 

a place for the transplanting of us. Wherefore let me 

entreat and beseech you to do this further greate curtisye for 
us, to make composition with the Indians for the place, with 
what speede you can, and we will freely give satisfaction to 
them, and strive to be the more enlarged in thankfulness to you." 
The place to which removal was contemplated at that time, is 
not named ; but we have no doubt that it was Seipican, (Roch- 
ester), because an order of Court, 1638, grants "Seipican for 



" Tlie originals were fouiul amongst Governor Vvinslow's pjipcrs by Hon. 
Jolin Davis. 

22 



170 MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 

the seateing of a townshi}) for a Congregation, to Mr Thomas 
Besbeech, Mr James Cudworth, WilHam Gilson, Anthony 
Annable, Henry Cobb, Henry Rowley, Edward Foster, Robert 
Lhinet and others." The place of destination was changed 
however the next year, and the removal made to Barnstable in 
1639 and 40. The records of Scituate show that more than 
half the Church removed with their pastor. The author of the 
New England Memorial observes, " He was a man of an hum- 
ble heart and spirit — lively in dispensation of the word of God, 
studious of peace, furnished with godly contentment, willing to 
spend and be spent for the cause and Church of Christ. He 
fell on sleep in the Lord, November 8, 1653."* 

The troubles which affected his peace at Scituate, were 
in part, the dissensions amongst his people on the subject 
of removing their Meeting-hou«e, but chiefly, we believe, 
their dissensions on the subject of baptism. The mode of 
baptism was a subject which had shaken and divided his Church 
before he left England, in 1633; and the controversy followed 
him and divided them again ; this appears from the fact that 
many of those who remained at Scituate after his removal to 
Barnstable, brought in Mr Chauncy for their pastor, against 
the remonstrances and opposition of nearly one hall ol the 
Church ; and eagerly adopted his mode of immersion. 

The first wife of Mr Lothrop died in England in 1633, 
while he was a prisoner, as related above. There were four 
sons of that wife who came with him, viz. Thomas, Samuel, 
Joseph and Benjamin. 

He married a second wife, (whose name we have not learned), 
whose sons were Barnabas and John. He had also two daugh- 
ters, Jane and Barbara of his first wife, and Abagail of the 
second. 

Thomas settled in Barnstable, and his posterity are numerous 
in Plymouth County. We believe also that the families of this 
name in Cohasset are his descendants. 

A Thomas Lothrop of Barnstable married Deborah Loring 
of Hingham, in 1736; he died early in Boston. His only son 
was the late venerable Col. Thomas Lothrop of Cohasset, born 
1738, whose sons are John, Capt. Peter and Capt. Anson. 

Samuel settled in Norwich, Connecticut, and his descendants 
are numerous in that State and in New York.f 

* Mr Lothrop was educated at Oxford in England. 

t A record mado by the descendants of Samuel, varies somewhal from 
that of the most authentic records tliat have fallen under our notice. Proba- 



MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 171 

Joseph, Barnabas and John settled at Barnstable, and have 
descendants survivmg at Bridgewater and elsewhere, John was 
in England in 1653, but we believe he returned. Benjamin 
settled at Charlestown, and has left posterity in Essex County. 

Of these sons, Barnabas was the most distinguished. He 
was an assistant in the Government of Plymouth Colony, also, 
a member of the first Council in 1692, after the union of the 
Colonies under the Charter of Wilham and Mary. His wife 
was Susan Clark. He died at Barnstable in 1715, aged 79. 
He was born in Scituate, as we believe were all the children of 
his mother, save Abigail, who was the first child baptized at 
Barnstable, October 1639. — John married Mary Cole of 
Plymouth 1671.* 

The will of Rev. John Lothrop is dated in 1653. We trust 
that it is not improper to subjoin an abstract of that will, for 
historical purposes. 

" To my wife, my new dwelling house. To my oldest son 
Thomas, the house in which J first lived in Barnstable. To 
my son John in England and Benjamin here, each a cow and 
6£. Daughter Jane and Barbara have had their portions 
already. To the rest of the children, both mine and my wife's, 
each a cow. To each child one book, to be chosen according 
to their ages. The rest of my Library to be sold to any honest 
man who can tell how to use it, and the proceeds to be 
divided, &.c." 

The inventory estimates the remainder of his library at £5. 

The removal of Mr Lothrop's family was October 11, 1639. 
Barnstable Records. 

There was a Thomas Lothrop free in Massachusetts 1634. 
This must have been another family. It was probably his son 
Thomas, who was killed by the Indians at Deerfield in 1675. 

In the papers of the Historical Society, (Vol. IV. 2d series. 
Anno 1816), it is mentioned that Adam Blackman ofiiciated 

bly the names and order of the ages of Mr Lothrop's children were as 
follows: Thomas, Samuel^ Joseph, Benjamin, Jane, Barbara, Barnabas, 
(born at Scituate 1635), John born 1G37, Abagail born 1(539. Samuel of 
Norwich had sons, Samuel, Israel, Joseph and five daugiiters. Joseph had 
sons, Joseph, Barnabas, Solomon and four daughters. Solomon had one son 
Joseph, D. D. of West Springfield, and one daughter. Dr. Joseph has sons, 
Solomon, Seth, Joseph, Hon. Samuel and Dwight. The late Rev. John 
Lothrop, D. D. of Boston, was alss a descendant of Samuel of Norwich. 

* A John Lothrop died in Boston 1710, and gives in his will " to wife 
Esther, to son Joseph, to brother Barnabas, and sisters Mary, Martha, 
Elizabeth, Hannah, Abigail and Experience." We notice also, " Abigail, 
widow of Barnabas Lothrop, late of Barnstable, died in Boston 1715." This 
may have been a second wife of Mr Barnabas Lothrop. 



172 MINISTEIIS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 

for a time in Scituate. It has been repeated by Farmer and 
iiaylles. But as we ourselves were the author of that mistake, 
we take this opportunity to correct it. It was not Blackman, 
but Christopher Blackwood. He officiated a short time in 
1640 ; but soon disappears, having deceased or perhaps removed 
from the countrv. 



Mr CHARLES CHAUNCY 

was born in Hertfordshire, England, A. i). 1589, and b;iptizcd 
at Yardley, November 1592. He was the fifth son of (loorge 
Chauncy, who died in 1027. He was prepared for the Uni- 
versity at the celebrated Westminster school. While be was 
a student there, the gun powder plot was discovered, which, 
had it taken effect, must have destroyed the seminary with the 
pupils, if it had blown up the Parliament house, as was intended, 
the buildings being contiguous. 

He was matriculated of Trinity College, Cambridge, from 
which, he proceeded 1^. D. after a distinguished course. He 
was afterward Hebrew professor, and subsequently Greek pro- 
fessor of the same College. Cotton Mather asserts that " he 
was incomparably well skilled in all the learned languages, 
especially in the oriental, and eminently in the Hebrew." In 
a few years he became a very popular preacher, first at Marston 
and then at Ware. While he was at \Vare, Archbishop Laud 
issued his lamous Licences for Sports on the Lord's day, and 
prohibiting preaching in the afternoon, that the peo])le might 
engage in amusements. Mr Chauncy endeavored to evade 
these pitiful laws, by catechising in the afternoon. But this, 
said the bishop, " was as bad as preaching." Shortly certain 
s])ies upon his words, reported to the bishop certain objectionable 
expressions in his sermons, relating to the errors of the times, 
and he was called before the High Connnission Court ; the 
Court referred his cause to tlie bishop of London, and die 
bishop adjudged him to make a publick recantation in Latin. 
The worthy ^Ir Chauncy was seized with terror and complied. 
But this weakness of his, afterward filled him with poignant 
regret, to which he was wont to allude on all publick occasions. 
But he soon foinid that there was no rest for him in England, 
and he joined some of those who were flying to this wilderness. 
He arrived at Plymouth on the latter end of December 1637, 
a few days (says Mather) before the great earthquake, which 
happened January 1, 1038. He remained in Plymouth nearly 



MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 173 

ihiee years, as an assistant in the ministry to Mr Rayner. We 
observe that the Colony Court assigned him certain grants of 
land, and particularly ten acres of meadow at Jones's Kiver in 
1640, (now in Kingston). In 1641, he was elected pastor of 
the Church at Scituate. At the "renewing of his ordination," 
as Mather terms it, he preached from Ei«iv. ix. 10. "Wisdom 
hath sent forth her maidens," — -and in alluding to that regretted 
recantation which he had made in England, he said, "Alas! 
Christians, I am no maiden ; my soul hath been defiled with 
false worship : how wondrous is the free grace of Christ, that 
f should still be employed amongst the maidens of wisdom." 
Mather intimates that Mr Chauncy alludes in his expression, 
" false worship," to the English Prayer book, the ordination of 
Priests, &.c. Neal, in his account of his secantation, (Vol. 
II. Ch. 5.), represents his crime and his recantation to relate 
principally to his opposing the custom of enclosing the commu- 
nion table with a rail, and of kneeling at the communion service. 

His ministry in Scituate was a scene of constant agitation. 
(See Ecclesiastical History in the former part of this work). 
These vexations were owing in a great measure to his own 
ardent temper and impatience of opposition. He met with an 
opponent in Mr Vassall, who was at least his equal in argument, 
and who early entered into a controversy with him on the 
subject of the seaJs, and particularly on the mode of baptism : 
and as they could come to no terms of concord, Mr Vassall 
and nearly half the Church and Society withdrew and formed 
another Church. There seemed to be three parties in Scituate 
at this time: one of which held to infant sprinkling — another 
to adult immersion exclusively — and a third (of which was 
Mr Chauncy) to immersion of infants as well as adults. 

Winthrop remarks, (Vol. II. p. 72), " Mr Chauncy persevered 
in his opinion of dipping in baptism, and practised accordingly, 
first upon two of his own, which being in very cold weather, 
one of them swooned away. Another having a child about 
three years old, feared it would be frightened (as others had 
been; and one caught hold on Mr Chauncy, and had nearly 
pulled him into the water). She brought her child to Boston, 
with letters testimonial from Mr Chauncy, and had it baptized 
there." Several children were afterward carried to Boston for 
baptism. 

VVinthro)) also names another error of Mr Chauncy which gave 
offence at Scituate, " That the Lord's supper ought to be ad- 
ministered in the evening, and every Lord's day." Vol. I. p. 331. 



174 MINIS'TERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 

Now this latter practice truly, so far as we can discern, is of 
as much importance as is the particular mode of applying the 
water in baptism. No one can doubt that the Lord's supper 
was instituted in the evening, and few, if any, will deny that 
baptism may have sometimes been administered by immersion, 
in the times of the Apostles. But that these modes should be 
adhered to in all climates and all seasons, seem to us to put a 
yoke upon Christians which they are not able or bound to bear. 
The discretion of Christians may very properly lead to such 
modes of administering these ordinances, as may seem to them 
to be most decorous and most useful. 

Though Mr Cliauncy persevered in these practices so long 
as he remained in Scituate, he suffered only from individual 
opposition. The government of the Colony never took up the 
controversy, as was done in Massachusetts. In 1G44, that 
government began to enact penal laws against " Anabaptistry," 
and a few years later, under Endicott and Dudley, the Baptists 
were whipped, imprisoned and banished. An order of Court 
in Massachusetts in 1G51, enacts "banishment to such as obsti- 
nately oppose the baptism of infants." Mr Chauncy, on his 
election to the Presidency of the College, made a compact 
with the Overseers, to be quiet on the subject of the mode of 
baptism. It would seem, therefore, that his opinions were 
much relaxed from their former rigour. 

There are many evidences on record, that Mr Chauncy was 
unhappy at Scituate. The circumstances by which he was 
surrounded, together with his ardent temperament, make apology 
in part, for his uneasiness. He was a studious man, beyond 
what is often known, and was subject to all the nervous sensi- 
bilities peculiar to hard students. He was consciously endowed 
with great talents and eminent learning. He was devoted to 
his profession, and he was too much inclined to accept it as an 
indignity, that his powers should not keep down all opposition, 
and his labours bring him at least the comforts of life in tem- 
poral things. There lay his weakness — in not being able to 
make allowance for the poverty and hardships of his people in 
the new settlement, and in imagining that his opponents in 
religious principles and usages, were his personal enemies. He 
was constantly chafed by the opposition : his Society had 
become divided and weakened, and his apprehensions in regard 
to a livelihood were of a most melancholy kind. In 1649, 
Mr Chauncy made known the poverty of his circumstances to 
the Governor and assistants, jirobably with the expectation of 
some grant for his relief, though we do not find that any grant 



MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 175 

was made with reference to this application. It is a well 
known historical fact, that about that time there was a question 
started, whether it were right to pay taxes for the support of 
religious teachers ; and many withdrew their assistance in their 
support. From this circumstance Mr Chauncy may have met 
with embarrassment, as did his successor. The list of his 
property above named, is a curious document, which we have 
here extracted from the Colony records. 

"I. The house of Mr Hatherly, bought of Mr Vassall, 
with the enlargements. A new building and barn and other 
out houses. 

II. All the ground about it, being six acres. 

III. An enclosed stony field, near the marsh. 

IV. An orchard behind the house. 

V. The barn close, compassing the barn. 

VI. Twenty acres upland — ten of it enclosed called the 
New field. 

VII. Twelve acres of Conihassett marsh. 

VIII. Twenty acres at Hooppole island, with undivided 
lands among Conihassett purchasers. 

Charles Chauncy, 1G49." 

Now it is obvious, that in those times, this could not have 
been a very productive estate, and yet, while his people were 
suffering all the hardships of new colonists, it is doubtful whether 
many of them were better provided for than their minister. It 
is certain that he had warm friends. The people of Plymouth 
(at least a part) would have made great sacrifices to have 
enjoyed his services there, and those people of Scituate who 
tolerated or who embraced his sentiments on the subject of 
baptism, were strongly attached to him. In 1654, Mr Hatherly, 
the untiring patron of the plantation, offered to make a deed of 
gift to Mr Chauncy, of a house and land on " Satuit brook," 
(see notes on the first Parish), on condition that Mr Chauncy 
agree to spend his life in Scituate, which offer he declined. 
Mr Hatherly then makes the deed to the Church, and submits 
the farm to their disposal. The same year the Church conveys 
it to Mr Chauncy, by deed of gift, signed probably by most of 
the male members, viz. Timothy Hatherly, Thomas Chittenden, 
Richard Sealis, John Williams, Humphry Turner, John Allen, 
Edward Jenkins, Rhodolphus Ellmes, Thomas Clap, William 
Wills, Isaac Chittenden, Henry Ewell, Walter Woodworth, 
John Hewes, George Pidcoke, Samuel Jackson, Thomas 
Ensign, Joseph Colman, Samuel House, John Daman. 



176 MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 

Though this was given, without any condition to be performed 
on Mr Chauncy's part, at least, specified in the deed, yet, on 
his retiring at the close of the same year, the farm seems to 
have been relinquished to the Church. 

The time of Mr Chauncy, while at Scituate, must have been 
spent whh his accustomed diligence in business. Besides 
performing his ministerial labours, he practised to a considerable 
extent as a physician, for which, Mather informs us, he was 
eminently qualified : and moreover was engaged in instructing 
his own sons, and preparing young men for the ministry. We 
can state for a certainty, that the celebrated Mr Thomas 
Thatcher, who had come out of England before his Theological 
education was completed, was under the care of Mr Chauncy 
at Scituate. This was the ancestor of the eminent ministers of 
that name. He was settled in Weymouth in 1G44, and in 
Boston 16G9. 

In the autumn of 1654, Mr Chauncy received an invitation 
from his Ibrmer people at Ware in England, to return to them; 
he had concluded to comply with their request, and had pro- 
ceeded to Boston with his family in order to embnj-k for Eng- 
land, wlien the overseers of Harvard College offered him the 
Presidency of that institution, and he accepted. His inaugu- 
ration took place November 27, 1654. He entered upon this 
ollice with his wonted energy. Having softened In his opinions 
concerning the mode of baptism, he became also pastor to the 
Church in Cambridge, blather gives us an account of his 
labours in words that astonish us, " He rose at 4 o'clock, both 
winter and summer — he spent his first hour in secret prayer — 
then visiting the College Hall, he expounded a chapter, with 
a short prayer before, and a long prayer after — he then did 
the like, with a })rayer before and after in his family — and 
when the bell rang for nine at night, he retired for another hour 
of secret prayer. On the Lord's day morning, he preached a 
sermon in the College Hall. IJesido all this, he often set aside 
whole days for prayer with fasting, alone by himself, and some- 
times spent whole nights in prayer. Many days of prayer with 
fasting, he also spent with his religious consort : and many such 
days he kept with his family, calling in the assistance of three 
or four godly neighbors. Jiloreover, every day, morning and 
evening, after he had expounded a chapter, he used to examine 
his children and ser\ ants, with some fit questions thereon." 

In terms equally high, this singular historian commends his 
ability and diligence in teaching the liberal arts, and in con- 
ducting the government of the Institution. He acknowledges 
that he suffered the disadvantages of a hasty temper ; but adds, 



MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 177 

that these were presently corrected by his holy temper. Though 
his Ufe was thus spent in labours, which sooner than all others 
are wont to impair the human constitution, yet the elasticity or 
vigour of his mind was not relaxed until extreme age. "After 
age had enfeebled him, (says Matlier), the fellows of the Col- 
lege, once leading him to preach a sermon in a winter day, 
they, out of affection to him, to discourage him from so difli- 
cult an undertaking, told him. Sir, yoiCU certainly die in the 
pulpit — but he laying hold on what they had said, as if they 
had offered him the greatest encouragement in the world, 
pressed more vigorously through the snow drift, and said, how 
glad should I be, if ivhat you have said might prove true.^^ 
When his friends used to press him to abate his vast labours, 
he used to reply, " oportet imperatorem stantem mori." His 
labours were scarcely remitted to the last. At the Commence- 
ment in 1671, he took leave of his literary friends and his 
public labours, in~a farewell oration, and " illness growing upon 
jiim," he did not live to see another of those anniversaries. He 
died February 19, 1671, in the eighty-second year of his age. 
He was buried February 2 1st, with appropriate honors. The 
Rev. Urian Oakes, his successor as pastor to the Church of 
Cambridge, and (after Dr. Hoar) his successor as President of 
the College, preached his funeral sermon, one passage of which 
is noted by Mather as being singularly beautiful. The preacher 
having made some allusion to his hasty temper, turned from 
the subject, saying, " The mention therof is to be wrapped up 
in Elijah's mantle." He was thirteen years minister of the 
first Church in Scituate, (not sixteen, as Mather and Elliot and 
others state), and seventeen years the President of the College. 
We believe he was provided for to his satisfaction, after he had 
been elected President of the College, and learned not to 
oppose the overseers in the matter of baptism. We observe 
tliat the Massachusetts Colony Court in 1659, ordered five 
hundred acres of land to be laid out for him, near Charles river. 

We add a short notice of his family. 

His wife was Catharine, the daughter of Robert Eyre, Esq. 
of Wiltshire : Mather commends her as a person of extraordi- 
nary piety. She died January 4th, 1668. 

Their children were eight, Isaac, Ichabod, Barnabas, Sarah, 
Nathaniel and Elnathan, twins, Israel and Hannah. 

Isaac was born in England, August 23, 1632, and graduated 

at Harvard CoUege in 1651. He went to England, was setded 

in the ministry, and ejected from office at the restoration, and 

afterward settled in Berry street in London, where he died 

23 



178 MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 

February 28,, 1712. The celebrated Dr. Isaac Walts was his 
colleague in 1698, and his successor at his death. His children 
were Isaac, Uzziel, Charles and Elizabeth. 

Ichabod was born in England in 1G35, and received his 
degree at Harvard College also in 1651. He went to England, 
and was appointed chaplain of Sir Edward Harley's regiment 
at Dunkirk, 1684. He afterward practised as a physician in 
Bristol, England," where he died in 1691, July 25th. 

Barnabas was born in England in 1637; he graduated at 
Harvard College in 1657. He was admitted a member of the 
Church in Cambridge, (Farmer), December 10, 1656. He 
was a preacher, according to Mather, and died in rather early 
life, not settled. Sarah was admitted a member of the Church 
in Cambridge, December 10, 1656. She was afterward the 
wife of Rev. Gershom Bulkley, of New London, 1659. Na- 
thaniel and Elnathan, twins, were probably born at Plymouth, 
though baptized at Scituate, December 1641. We believe it 
was the baptism of these children to which Winthrop alludes. 
Nathaniel was a fellow of the College, and afterward minister 
of Hatfield, Connecticut, where he died November 4, 1686. 
Elnathan, with his twin brother, received his degree at Har- 
vard in 1661 ; was a preacher, but not settled in the ministry, 
and afterward a physician in Boston. 

Israel was born at Scituate in 1644, and graduated at 
Harvard in 1661. He was ordained minister of Stratford, 
Connecticut, 1665, where he deceased March 14, 1703. He 
left two sons, Charles and Isaac, whose posterity are in England. 
Dr. Elliot informs us, that at his ordination at Stratford, the 
laity insisted on their right of "laying on hands," and that one 
of the lay brothers forgot to take off his mitten, and hence the 
Episcopalians endeavored to turn it to ridicule, by styling it 
" the leather mitten ordination." It is a well known historical 
fact, that at this time, a sharp controversy was agitated respect- 
ing the validity of Congregational ordination, and also respecting 
the right of laymen to bear a part in ordaining ministers. It 
was gradually yielded up by the laymen, but it may still be 
made a question, whether they ouglit not to have retained it, 
as an original right, both by the early practice of the Congre- 
gational churches, and the practice of Apostolic times. 

Of Hannah, the youngest daughter of President Chauncy, 
we have met with few notices. 

Of the descendants of President Chauncy, the most distin- 
guished has been the late Dr. Charles Chauncy of Boston. 
He was the great grandson of President Chauncy, was born 



MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 179 

1705, January 1st, — received his degree at Harvard in 1721, 
was ordained as colleague with Mr Foxcroft 1727, of the first 
Church in Boston, whom he survived many years, and in 1778, 
received the Rev. Dr. Clark as his colleague. He died Feb. 
10, 1787. As an author and a divine, not another perhaps in 
this country, has been more extensively known, both here and 
in Europe. His mother was Sarah Walley probably, as we 
notice in the records of Boston, " Charles Chauncy married to 
Sarah Walley 1699." His father was Charles, a merchant in 
Boston, who was son of Rev. Isaac, of Berry street, London. 



Mr HENRY DUNSTER 

arrived in Boston A. D. 1640, and took the freeman's oath 
in 1641. Mather records him amongst the ministers of his 
" First Class," i. e. those w*ho had been ministers in England 
before coming to this country. But neither Mather nor Morton 
nor any other historian has informed us where he exercised his 
ministry in England. He was acknowledged to be an eminent 
scholar, and a place seemed to have awaited him on his arrival. 
Dr. Eaton had been removed from his preceptorship of the 
Grammar school at Cambridge, (then Newtown), and the school, 
by means of a legacy from John Harvard, the minister of 
Charlestown, had been erected into a College, and a President 
was wanting. At this conjuncture Mr Dunster arrived, and 
was chosen President August 27, 1640. 

A cotemporary historian remarks, " over the College is Master 
Henry Dunster placed as President, a learned, considerable, 
and industrious man, who has so trained up his pupils in the 
tongues and arts, and so seasoned them with the principles of 
Divinity and Christianity, that we have, to our great comfort, 
and in truth beyond our hopes, beheld their progress in learning 
and godliness also," (see New England's First Fruits). 

He was particularly eminent for his Hebrew learning. He 
had the happy endowment of personal manners and of temper 
which peculiarly qualified him for governing ; and he continued 
in the Presidency about fourteen years, with great acceptance 
to the pupils, and likewise to the Overseers, save in one point. 
In the controversy of that day, he sided in opinion with those 
who opposed infant baptism ; and though he was confessedly 
mild and tolerant, allowing others to hold a different opinion 
and practice, yet (as Mather observes) " he filled the Overseers 
with uneasy fears, lest the students, by his means, should come 



180 MINISTERS OF THK FIRST CHrilCH. 

to be ensnared." They honored him for "his learning and 
excellent spirit, and laboured with extreme agony, to rescue 
the good man from his mistakes;" but finding it impracticable, 
*' they did (juietly procure his removal." In short, his friends 
advised him to retire, and he accordingly tendered his resigna- 
tion to the Overseers October 24, 1G54. He immediately 
repaired to Scituate, where we find notices of him the same 
autumn, employed in the ministry, and in which he continued 
nearly five years; we have not been able to ascertain, however, 
that he was regularly inducted into office. Morton in his New 
England's Memorial remarks, that while in Scituate " he opposed 
the abominable opinions of the Quakers," (p. 283. Judge 
Davis's Edition), and Mr Baylies in his history of Plymouth 
Colony, (Vol. II. p. 50), adopts the same idea, and more, even 
that "he was vindictive" in his persecution of the Quakers. 
We know not from what authority these remarks are derived. 
Morton's remark could have scarcely been sufficient to author- 
ize the sevei'ity of that of Mr Baylies, and that JVIorton, though 
a cotemporary, may not have been an impartial historian in this 
case, we fully believe. In the first place, it was entirely foreign 
from the character of President Dunster to be bigoted and 
persecuting : and in the next place, we can quote as good 
authority as any other, that if he opposed their opinions, it was 
only by argument and persuasion, and that he equally opposed 
the persecution of the Quakers, (see General Cudworth's letter, 
in the Family Sketch of Cudworth). 

Elliot is in an error respecting the date of Mr Dunster's 
death; it is on record in Scituate February 27, 1659. "He 
was embalmed and removed to Cambridge, and honorably 
buried," (New England's Memorial). "He died in such har- 
mony of affection with the good men who had been the authors 
of his removal from Cambridge, that he, by his will, ordered 
his body to be carried to Cambridge for its burial, and 
bequeathed legacies to those very persons." (Mather). 

He left but few printed works. There is a monument of his 
literary labours in the New England Psalms, which were sung 
for nearly a century in some of the Churches. This translation 
of the Psalms was first printed at Cambridge in 1640, and was 
the united labour of the Rev. Thomas Weld and John Elliot, 
ministers of Roxbury, and of Richard iMather of Dorchester : 
" but afterwards it was thought that a little more art was to be 
employed upon them, and they were committed unto Mr Dun- 
ster, who revised and refined this translation," (Mather's Mag.) 
We cannot but wonder what the work could have been at first, 



MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 181 

since that which was used m the churches until 1700, and 
indeed subsequently, is called a refined translation. But this 
was before Milton's works were much read, and before Dryden 
and Pope had exemplified how capable was the English lan- 
guage of the rythm and melody of verse. 

Mr Dunster's wife was Elizabeth, the widow of the Rev. 
Jesse Glover, who died on his passage to New England in 1639. 

His children were David, born May 16, 1645, Henry, born 
1650, Jonathan, born 1653. Some of his descendants are in 
Boston.* 



Mr NICHOLAS BAKER. 

This gentleman was one of the first settlers of Hingham, from 
which circumstance we presume that he came from Hingham 
in Norfolk, England, as did most of the early inhabitants of that 
town. He received a share in the first division of house lots 
in Hingham in 1635, as did also Nathaniel Baker. He after- 
ward became an extensive landholder in Hull, and resided 
there. He seems to have been employed chiefly in agriculture 
for several years, though a man of more -than ordinary qualifi- 
cations, and often employed in publick affairs. He was a 
deputy to the Massachusetts Colony Court (the May session) 
in 1636, it being the sixth Court that had been holden, but the 
first in which Hingham was represented. Again, he was a 
deputy at the May Court in 1638. The practice then, was to 
choose a deputy for each session. In 1642, he seems to have 
entertained a purpose of removing : for we observe in the 
Plymouth Colony records of that year, the following entry: 
" Nicholas Baker and three others of Hingham, made applica- 
tion to the Court for lands at Seekhonk." But the grant, we 
believe, was not made : at least, Mr Baker did not remove. 

After the death of President Dunster, he was invited to 
preach at Scituate, first Church. Where and when he had 
qualified himself for the ministry we have not learned : but the 
probability is, that without a regular education, by the force of 
his own talents, he had acquired a respectable degree of theo- 
logical knowledge, and by the virtues of his file he had recom- 
mended himself to the publick. 

He was ordained in Scituate in the year 1660. He left 
here no memorable name for great powers or great success 

* Henry J. Dunstor, a descendant, perforins the press work of this book. 



182 MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 

in his ministry, but records are not wanting to show his peaceful 
and godly influence. He was especially instrumental in bring- 
ing to pass a reconciliation of the two Churches at Scituate, 
which had held no communion with each other for thirty-five 
years. By the consent of the first Church he signed an instru- 
ment of reconciliation with the second Church, April 1, 1G75. 
His Church had now returned to the practice of infant 
sprinkling, from which they had been led away by President 
Chauncy. 

Cotton Mather, in his quaint style, characterizes him thus : 
" Honest Nicholas Baker of Scituate, who, though he had but 
a private education, yet being a pious and zealous man, or, 
(as Dr. Arrowsmith expresses \i), so good a logician, that he could 
offer up to God a reasonable service, so good an arithrnctician, 
that he could wisely number his days, and so good an orator, 
that he persuaded himself to he a good Christian ; and being 
also one of good natural parts, was chosen Pastor of the Church 
there ; and in the pastoral charge of that Church he continued 
about eighteen years, until that horror of mankind and reproach 
of medicine, the stone, (under which he preached patience by a 
memorable example of it, never letting fall a worse word than 
this, which was an usual word with him, ' a mercy of God it is 
no worse'), put an end to his days." (Magnalial. 542). He 
died August 22, 1678. 

He was twice married : the first time doubtless in England, 
and the second time during his ministry in Scituate. We find 
no record of the marriage, however, in Scituate, and conclude 
it probable that he was married at Hull. All that we have 
discovered respecting it, we owe to that curious miscellany, the 
journal of Mr Peter Hobart of Hingham, viz. " Mr Nicholas 
Baker's wife died at Scituate IGGl. Mr Nicholas Baker 
married 1GG2." The births of his children are not found on 
record at Scituate, and the baptisms in the first Church during 
his ministry are deficient. The births may have been recorded 
in Hull. 

An abstract of his will, dated 1G78. 

" To my wife Grace, half my dwelling house at Hull, and 
the lands adjoining Thomas James' lot. Also a swamp at 
Allerton's hill — a lot on Strawberry hill — a lot at Sagamore 
hill — a lot upon White head — a lot on Duke's Island — half 
my right to commons in Hull — and all my upland and meadow 
in Hingham during her life: provided my son Samuel, or any 
of my children at Hull, have liberty of fire v/ood. 



MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 183 

To my son Samuel half my house at Hull, with lands, kc. 

To daughter Elizabeth 10£. 

To my son Nicholas a share in Conihassett lands at Scituate, 
lie paying to my daughter Sarah 10£. 

To daughter Deborah 10£. To daughter Mary 10£. 

My wife Grace to be executrix. Brother Nathaniel Baker 
and kinsman John Loring overseers of this my will." 

We can give but little further account of this family. 

Samuel, it appears, settled in Hull. Mary was married in 
Scituate to Stephen Vinal 1661, and has left posterity. Eliz- 
abeth married John Vinal of Scituate, brother of Stephen, in 
1664, and has also left posterity. Sarah married Josiah Litch- 
field of Scituate in 1671, and her posterity is almost countless. 
Deborah married Israel Chittenden of Scituate in 1678, and 
left posterity. Nicholas inherited a share of Conihassett lands 
in Scituate, but we find no further trace of him here. We 
believe there was also a son Nathaniel, though not named in 
his father's will. He probably settled in Hull. 

We observe in the will of Nathaniel Baker of Hingham, 
dated 1682, that he gives to the children of his son in law John 
Loring, (his grand children), large tracts of land at Ware river, 
Turkey hill and elsewhere — and also makes provision for his 
wife Sarah — and his two Indian servants — and also 10s apiece 
to the children of his brother Nicholas late of Scituate. 

There was a Samuel Baker of Marshfield, who may have 
been the son of Rev. Nicholas, named in his will. He married 
Ellen, daughter of Kenelm Wlnsiow 1656, and had children, 
Kenelm 1657, Lydia '59, Elizabeth '61, Mary '62, Alice '63, 
Ellen (or Eleanor) '65 : and by a second wife Patience 
Sinnnons, married 1677, a son Samuel, who married Sarah 
Snow 1699. 



Mr JEREMIAH CUSHING. 

This gentleman was born at Hingham, July 3, 1654. He was 
tlie son of Daniel Cushing, Esq. and Lydia his wife, the daughter 
of Edward Gillman. Daniel, Esq. was the son of Matthew Cush- 
ing, one of the early settlers of the tovv'n of Hingham. To Daniel 
Cushing, that town is indebted for the fij-st accurate records of 
the proceedings of the town. His clerkship commences in 1669, 
and the method and neatness of the records for many years, 
does him much credit. Jeremiah his son received his degree 



184 MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHrUCH. 

at Harvard College in 1G7G. He was educated for the minis- 
try under the direction of Mr Norton of Hingham. He was 
not settled immediately in the ministry. He received an invi- 
tation to become the pastor of Haverhill in 1682, which he 
dechned. He began to preach in Scituate in February 1691, 
and was ordained there on the 27th of May the same year. 
His salary was £60. Besides this, the Conihassett pai'tners 
made him a gift of twenty acres of land. It was laid out in 
1694, adjoining the lands of John Curtis and Henry Merritt. 
He purchased John Curtis's house in 1698, and probably re- 
sided in it, and rented the parsonage. It stood between Timo- 
thy White's and the harbour. 

We have few materials for composing a life of Mr Cushing, 
and no data by which we may compare the success of his 
ministry with that of his predecessors or successors, all the 
Church records during his time being lost. For the want of 
another Cotton Mather, obscurity must rest upon many ministers 
of that period. Mather could swell the lives of ordinary men 
into very respectable dimensions. 

The term of Mr Cushing's ministry was short, he having 
deceased March 22, 1705, in the fifty-first year of his age and 
the fourteenth of his ministry. There is a monument to his 
memory in the old burying ground near the harbour. He 
suffered a lingering illness, having been obliged to suspend his 
labours for several months. 

He was married to Hannah, the daughter of Thomas Loring 
of Hingham, June 1, 1685. Their children were Hannah born 
1687, Ignatius born 1689, Jeremiah born 1695, and Ezekiel 
born 1698. His widow was married to John Barker, Esq. 
a lawyer, in 1706, and the, same year Hannah the daughter, 
was married to Samuel Barker, the son of John, Esq. They 
resided at the ancient Williams farm, one mile north of the 
harbour. 

None of the sons of Mr Cushing settled in Scituate. Ezekiel 
settled at Cape Elizabeth, (Casco Bay). His daughter Lucy, 
born 1736, was the wife of Dr James Otis of Scituate, and 
the mother of Hon. Cushing Otis. 



Mr NATHANIEL PITCHER 

was born at Dorchester, we believe, and a descendant of 
Andrew Pitcher, an early settler in that town. He was born 
in 1685, and received his degree at Harvard College in 1703. 



MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 185 

Under the care of Mr Danforth of Dorchester he received his 
theological education. He first preached in Scituate in INIarch 
1705, during the illness of Mr Gushing. Again in IMay 1706, 
the Church and Society voted to invite him to preach, which 
he did for a few Sabbaths; and again in the summer of 1707, 
when he was invited to become their pastor. He was ordained 
on the 4th Wednesday of September 1707. In 1710, he 
married Sarah, the daughter of John Gushing, Esq. Their 
children were Nathaniel born 1711, Sam-iel born 1713, Sarah 
born 1715, and Miry born 1716. 

This family has long since disappeared from om- records. 
The ministry of Mr Pitcher was rather shoit, he having deceased 
September 27, 1723, and in the thirty-eighth year of his age, 
as we learn from his monument in the old burying ground. 
His children were young; and they probably removed to 
Dorchester, as we find no further notice of them here. Mr 
P. attempted to write verses, some of which may be preserved, 
n:ore for the sake of antiquity than for their merits, (see 
Appendix). 

There was a Joseph Pitcher win came into Scituate nearly 
at the same time with Rev. Nathaniel, and tradition (perhaps 
uncertain) speaks of him as a relation. He married Mercy 
Stetson, 1714. We find the birth of one child only on record, 
viz. Lydia, born 1717. His wife deceased the same year; 
and from that time, further traces of the family are lost. 

There was also an Ezra Pitcher,* who appears in Scituate 
in 1730, and who was a relative of the foregoing. He married 
Zeruiah Booth 1732. His children were Desire born 1733, 
Ezra born 1735, John born 1736, Nathaniel born 1738, Elisha 
born 1740. Some of this fiimily removed to Broad Bay in 
Maine. Nathaniel was in Scituate in 1761, when he married 
Experience Jones. We believe he was a physician, and re- 
moved to Stonington, Connecticut. 

A sister of the Rev. Nathaniel Pitcher (Abigail) came with 
him to Scituate, and was married to David Tilden in 1710. 

These are all the nDtices of value respecting this family that 
have fallen in our way. Tradition speaks of the Rev. Mr 
Pitcher as a gentleman of very agreeable person and manners, 
a preacher of more than ordinary talents, and remarkable for 
promoting peace and union amongst his people. Union of 
religious sentiment very generally prevailed at that time. The 



* Mr Ezra Pitcher was chosen deacon in 17o4, at which time he is 
mentioned as Iiaving been a member of Bratlle street Church, Boston. 
24 



186 MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 

controversy on baptism and the opposition to the Quakers had 
ceased, and Whitefield's excitement had not been spread. It 
was a mild form of Calvinism into which the general sentiment 
had settled. JMr Eells of the second Church, was a cotemporaiy 
^v•ith Mr Pitcher, and they are said to have maintained a very 
remarkable friendship. At the ordination of Mr Pitcher, the 
Rev. Peter Thatcher of Milton gave the charge — Rev. Mr 
Norton of Hingham, the right hand of fellowship — The Rev. 
John Danforth of Dorchester preached, (Phil. ii. 20), and Mr 
Little and Mr Eells joined in laying on of hands. 



Rev. SHEARJASHUB BOURN. 

After the decease of Mr Pitcher, Mr Nathaniel Leonard, 
afterward of Plymouth, was invited to become the pastor of the 
first Church in Scituate, but declined. Mr Bourn, who was 
eventually the successor of Mr Pitcher, was the son of 
Bourn, of Sandwich, and a lineal descendant of Mr Richard 
Bourn, a preacher to the Cape Indians in early times. He 
received his degree at Harvard 1720 : and was ordained in 
Scituate December 3, 1724. In 1725, he married Abigail, 
the daughter of the Rev. Roland Cotton of Sandwich. Their 
children were Elizabeth born 1726, Abigail 1727, Desire 1728, 
Bathsheba 1730, Shearjashub 1732, (died early). His wife 
deceased 1732. In 1738, Mr Bourn married Sarah Brooks 
of Medford. By her he had one son, Shearjashub, born 1739. 
His second wife deceased in 1742. He married Deborah, the 
daughter of Mr Samuel Barker, in 1750, by whom he had one 
son, Roland, born 1750. His third wife deceased the same 
year. He married again in 1757, Joanna Stevens of Roxbury. 

His health had become impaired in 1755, by paralytic affec- 
tions. Through life he had been struggling against the infir- 
mities of an unfortunately feeble constitution, and depressed 
and melancholy spirits, by which his usefulness was in some 
measure impaired. Especially after 1755, he proceeded in 
his labours with such painful efforts, that he was soon induced 
altogether to withdraw from his publick services. Accordingly 
he tendered his resignation and was dismissed August 6, 1761. 
He retired to Roxbury, the native place of his wife, where he 
deceased August 14, 1768, aged sixty-eight. 

The Society testified their great regard for Mr Bourn, and 
iheir regret at foregoing his very acceptable services, and 



MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 187 

generously voted to give him £ 1 00 and the use of the parsonage 
lor a year and an half. 

We can give very little account of his family. Shearjashub, 
his son, married Sarah Woodworth, the daughter of James 
Woodworth of Scituate in 1769. He spent the greater part of 
his life in Boston, but returned and died at Scituate in Sep- 
tember 1819. His children were Sarah born 1770, Lydia 
1772, Abigail 1775, Ehzabeth 1777, and Bethia 1781. Two 
of these daughters are living in Scituate, Sarah the wife of 
William Corlevv, and Bethia the wife of Charles Corlew. 

At the ordination of Mr Bourn, Mr Eells of Scituate gave 
the charge — Mr Daniel Lewis of Pembroke gave the right 
hand of fellowship and preached, (2. Cor. xii. 15). Mr Brown 
of Abington and Allen of Bridgewater joined in laying on hands. 



Rev. EBENEZER GROSVENOR 

was born in Pomfret, Connecticut, in 1739. His father was 
the master of a well known tavern in that place, for a long 
series of years. Ebenezer received his degree at Yale College 
in 1759. He preached first at Scituate near the close of 1762, 
and was ordained April 1763. He married Elizabeth, the daugh- 
ter of Rev, Mr Clark ofDanvers in 1764. Their children were 
Deborah born 1765, Lucy born 1 766, Ebenezer born 1768, Eliz- 
abeth born 1769, (died early), Peter Clarke born 1771 , and Nan- 
cy born 1773. His ministry was not very quiet. His religious 
tenets were the moderate Calvinism of that day, and a straiter 
sect in his Society were disposed to give him some trouble. 
It is certain that he was not a zealot of Whitefield's school, 
and hence they suspected him of Arminian heresy, but 
probably without foundation. He was undoubtedly too mild 
and catholic in his faith and practice, to give universal satisfac- 
tion at that time.* It is said that his wife was much more 
vexed with the contradictions and oppositions which he met 
with, than Mr Grosvenor himself, and was finally instrumental 
in deciding his determination to retire. It may be added that 
his poverty and embarrassments during the American war were 
so great, that it was difficult for him to procure even subsistence 
for his family. Those who remember the hardships of those 
times, the scarcity of the necessaries of life, and the wretched 

* A remonstrance signed by seven, was handed to the council tliat 
ordained him. 



188 MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 

condition of the paper currency, can give full credit to this 
account. 

He offered his resignation in April 1780, and was honorably 
dismissed, having officiated as pastor seventeen years. He is 
now remembered by some of the aged people with great affec- 
tion and very tender regret. His person is described as rather 
remarkable for beauty, of middling stature but of noble and 
commanding presence, and of singular benignity of countenance. 
As a preacher, he is not said to have risen above mediociity in 
power and eloquence, but as a man and a Christian to have 
excelled in the finest and gentlest traits. 

After retiring from Scituate he was invited to preach at 
Harvard, where he was installed in 1782, and where he de- 
ceased May 28, 1788, aged forty-nine. 

His son Ebenezer was matriculated of Harvard College in 
1784, and is remembered as a youth of great dignity and un- 
common promise. Unfortunately he was attacked with a severe 
fever, while in the last year of his college course, was carried 
to his father's house for attendance, and there died. The same 
disease attacked others of the family, of which Mr Grosvenor 
himself died, and also a daughter. 

After Mr Grosvenor retired from Scituate, a wider distinction 
began to appear between the religious parties, and for several 
years defeated every attempt to settle another pastor. Many 
candidates were employed, who either were unable to give 
general satisfaction, or were discouraged with the prevailing 
disunion. We can name Mr Daniels of Medfield, who preached 
in 1780. Mr Fuller, who received a call to settle in 1781. 
Mr Paul Litchfield, (afterward of Carlisle), who supplied for 
a term of time in 1781. Mr Merrill also in 1782.* Mr Judson 
(afterward of Taunton and Plymouth), who received a call in 
1783. Mr Hazlett, an Englishman, who preached in 1784, 
and Mr Zechariah Howard of Bridgewater, who received a 
call in 1786. This unhappy state of the Society continued 
seven years, the liberal party gradually gaining strength, until 
they found themselves able to settle a minister without offending 
a large minority. 

— - < 

* Afterward of North HavcihiU. 



MINISTERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 189 



Rev. EBENEZER DAWES 

was a native of Bridgewater, the son of Samuel Dawes, jr. of 
the East Parish. He was born in 1756. He received his 
degree at Harvard College in 1785, and was educated for the 
ministry under the direction of Dr. Wigglesworth of the Uni- 
versity. He began to preach very early after receiving his 
degree, and was ordained at Scituate in November 1787. In 
1789, he married Elizabeth Bailey, daughter of Col. Bailey 
of Hanover, a lady of very pleasing personal accomplish- 
ments. Their children were William born 1790, and Ebenezer 
born 1791. 

This situation was laborious and perplexing to Mr Dawes 
beyond measure, and his office truly a crown of thorns, owing 
to the violence of the opposition. His constitution was never 
firm, and his health sensibly declined after the second year of 
his ministry. He deceased September 29, 1791. His per- 
son was pleasing, his complexion fair, his manners such as 
might disarm enmity, and in all the gentleness and meekness 
that adorn the Christian character, he v/as nobly accomplished. 
Perhaps there has rarely occurred a separation of a pastor and 
people by death, which has occasioned more poignant grief, 
to a majority at least. He had been called into the ministry 
through great and anxious efforts of his religious friends : he 
had been their pastor long enough to give them a surety that 
they had not overrated his talents and virtues : and now, in the 
blooming of life, at the age of twenty-six, and in the ascendancy 
of his reputation, he was suddenly withdrawn from them. The 
day of his death became almost an anniversary of sorrow, and 
for a long time no company of mourners followed the remains 
of a friend to the tomb, without paying honours to the lamented 
Dawes, sighing as they passed his grave, and pausing to read 
again, what they had often read before, the inscription on his 
monument. 

We believe that his family are all surviving at the time of our 
writing, (1831). His widow has been twice married since the 
loss of the husband of her 3^outh, and is now a widow for the 
third time. Her second husband was Mr Lucas of Boston, 
and her third husband was tlie late venerable Dr. Williams of 
Deerfield. William, the eldest son, married the daughter of 
the late William Torrey, Esq. of Pembroke, and has resided 
in Taunton. Ebenezer, the younger son, is a physician of 
good reputation at Taunton. 



190 MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. 



Rev. NEHEMIAH THOMAS. 

The present pastor of the first Church and Society, is the 
son of the late Nathaniel Thomas, Esq. of Marshfield. He 
was born A. D. 1768, and received his degree at Harvard 
College 1789, and was educated for the ministry at the Uni- 
versity. He was ordained at Scituate November 1792. We 
shall not write his history while living, and long may it be, 
before his decease shall permit it to be written. We may, 
however, venture to add, that in 1794, he married Hannah the 
daughter of Dr. James Olis of Scituate.* Their children — 
Henry born 1796, Harriet 1798, Lucy Otis ISOO, Francis 
1 804. Henry was matriculated of Harvard University in 181 3, 
and unfortunately deceased in College the next year. He was 
a youth of uncommon acquirements and of great promise. His 
classmates erected a beautiful monument, as a testimony of 
their respect to his memory, in the church yard at Cambridge ; 
and his College friend, the Rev. Ira Henry Thomas Blanchard 
of Harvard, paid the respect to his lost friend, of procuring 
legal permission to assume his name. 

Francis received his degree at Harvard University in 1829, 
and is, at present, a student and assistant attendant with Dr. 
Wyman at the Insane Hospital. 



Ministers of the Second Church and Society. 

Mr WILLIAM WITHERELL 

was born in the year 1600, but we have not been able to trace 
this worthy man into England, or to learn any thing of him 
before his arrival in this country, except, on the authority of 
Cotton Mather, who places him in the list of ministers who had 
been in that office in England. But we suspect this to have 
been an error, (see Mr Vassall's letter to Mr John Elliot, in 
our Chapter on Ecclesiastical history). There is a tradition 
here which has been handed down for truth, that his mother 
was the daughter of John Rogers, the Smithfield martyr. He 
arrived before 1634. The first notice which we find of him 
is, that he was employed in a grammar school at Charlestown 

* It is our melannholy office to record lior death, wliile we are in the act 
of writing the above brief notes. She deceased March 28, ]8'31. 



MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. lOl 

in 1635, and also in Canibiudge the two years following. In 
1638, he removed to Duxbury, where he purchased a house 
and land of Edward Hall ; it is described in the deed as lying 
"between the farms of Mr Ralph Partridge and Nicholas 
Robinson." As the town of Duxbury was provided with a 
pastor (Mr Partridge) at this time, it is probable that Mr With- 
erell was employed in agriculture, and perhaps school teaching : 
he however was but poorly provided for, as we presume, in the 
latter calling at that day. In 1640, he (with Thomas Wey- 
borne) received a grant from the Colony Court, of a consider- 
able tract of land in Duxbury, "on the north-west side of 
North hill." 

In 1644, affairs at Scituate had become ripened for the 
settlement of a minister in the second Church ; and Mr With- 
erell, being of the moderate party, as it regarded the refusal to 
commune with members of the Church of England, and also 
an advocate for infant sprinkling, and withal an educated and a 
worthy man, was invited to preach, and made himself so ac- 
ceptable to Mr Vassall and the rest of Mr Chauncy's opponents, 
that he was ordained pastor September 2, 1645. His ordi- 
nation had been delayed for some time by the influence of Mr 
Chauncy and the elders of Plymouth Colony who sided with 
him, and also by the Church at Duxbury which refused to 
dismiss him ; but at length, by advice of the elders of Massa- 
chusetts Bay, the Church proceeded to ordain him in the face 
of all opposition, (see Ecclesiastical History). 

Mr Witherell probably built or purchased a house on his 
removing to Scituate. It stood a few rods south-east of the 
second Society's Meeting-house at that time, on what is called 
in modern times Wilson hill, wdiere he continued to reside 
during his life. A record of the baptisms in the second Church 
commences September 7, 1645, and is kept in Mr Witherell's 
hand until 1674, when it appears that some paralytic affection 
compelled him to borrow the assistance of another hand. From 
1674, the records appear in the hand writing of Mr Mighill, 
though he was not in Scituate until 1680: he probably copied 
them. Mr Mighill had been procured to assist Mr Witherell 
in 1680; but the baptisms were administered by Mr Witherell 
until March 16, 1684. He died April 9, 1684, as we find in 
Hobart's journal. He had been in the ministry nearly thirty- 
nine years, and had administered six hundred and eight bap- 
tisms. Several persons from neighboring towns had brought 
their children hither for baptism, probably because their own 
ministers were opposed to infant sprinkling. Amongst whom 



192 MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. 

were the families of Rogers of Marsbfield and Nathaniel and 
Josiah Winslow, (the Governor) and Kenelm Winslow, (brother 
of Gov. Edward Winslow), from Yarmouth. 

Mr Witherell had lived to see the two churches in this 
town brought to a happy reconciliation, after a long variance ; 
to see the long disputed lines between his parish and the first 
parish amicably settled ; to see a new and more commodious 
house of worship erected by his Society, and the wasting and 
sanguinary Indian wars at an end. It was a peculiar season of 
calm when he closed his useful life. 

We have heard of but few printed works of this venerable 
man. Cotton Mather commends a certain little book of Mr With- 
erell's, "(in which he was assisted by Mr Baker), viz. "the life 
of John Clap of Scituate." This was a son of Mr Thomas 
Clap, remarkable for his understanding and his piety, and who 
died on his approach to manhood. We presume it is not now 
to be found in print. 

Mr Witherell wrote verses, some of which are extant, and 
we can say of those which we have seen, that they were vastly 
superior to those of Dunster who wrote a little earlier, particu- 
larly in point of versification. An elegy on Mrs. Sarah, the 
wife of John Gushing, Esq. is extant: as also an elegy on the 
death of Gov. Josiah Winslow, written in 1680, when Mr 
Witherell was eighty years of age. For the gratification of the 
curious, we have inserted it in Appendix. 
^ An anecdote is handed down by tradition, which may serve 
to illustrate the manner of conducting his ministry, and in short 
the prevailing manner in those times. INIr Bryant entered the 
church after the services had commenced, and Mr Whherell 
at the close of his prayer, thus addressed him : " Neighbor 
Bryant, it is to your reproach that you have disturbed the 
worship by entering late, living as you do within a mile of this 
place, and especially so, since here is goody Barstow, who has 
milked seven cows, made a cheese, and walked five miles to 
the house of God in good season." 

Mr Witherell had probably married before he left England. 
His sons were Samuel, John, Theophilus and Daniel : his 
daughters, Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah and Hannah, the two latter 
being all that were born in Scituate, viz. Sarah baptized in 
1645, and Hannah 1646. 

Most of these children, though some of them had deceased, 
are mentioned in his will in 1684, as may be seen in the fol- 
lowing abstract. 



MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. 193 

" To Samuel Witherell, son of my oldest son Samuel, my 
house and orchard and ten acres of land, when he shall arrive 
at the age of twenty-one, he paying (a certain sum) to his 
brother Joshua : also to Joshua a lot of marsh next to Israel 
Hobart's : also to Hannah, daughter to my son Samuel, two 
cows. 

"To my two sons, John and Theophilus, my wearing appa- 
rel. As to Daniel and daughter Sarah Hobart, they have had 
their .portions. 

" To Isabel, the widow of my son Samuel, the improvement 
of the house and orchard until her son Samuel shall come 
of age." 

The inventory of his estate amounted to £165, his books 
valued at thirteen shillings. 

SamueJ, the oldest son, deceased in 1683. His children 
were Samuel born 1678, Hannah 1680, Joshua 1683. 

Isabel, his widow, married Josiah Torrey in 1684. 

John, the second son of Mr Witherell, left a family, viz. John 
born 1675, William 1678, Thomas 1681, Joshua 1683. 

Theophilus, the third son, married Mary Parker, the daughter 
of WilHam Parker, in 1675: their children, Mary born 1677, 
(died early), Elizabeth 1679, Mary 1681, Lydia 1683, (the 
wife of Edward Shove 1704), Ruth 1687, Judith 1689. His 
place of residence was on the west of Dead swamp, and he 
built the first house on the place, now owned by Mr Lot Litch- 
field. He was a serjeant in the " Narragansett fight," (see 
Chapter on Indian wars). 

Daniel, the fourth son, was living in Scituate when his father 
deceased. He married earlier than his brothers; his daughter 
Hannah was baptized in 1660: no other children of his appear 
on record. 

Mary, the daughter of Mr Witherell, married Thomas Old- 
ham of Schuate in 1656: her descendants are in Pembroke. 

Elizabeth, married John Bryant of Scituate 1657, and left 
posterity. (This was the gentleman whom Mr Witherell re- 
proved — he was Deacon in 1669). 

Sarah married Israel Hobart in 1676, and left posterity, 

Hannah probably died early. 

We beUeve the posterity of the oldest son only of Mr With- 
erell have preserved the name in this Town ; and it is nearly 
extinct in that line. Samuel his son, named in the will of his 
grandfather, left ten children, born from 1699 to 1720, several 
of whom removed. — The late Theophilus and Anson now 
living, sons of Simeon of Hanover, we believe are his descend- 
25 



194 MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. 

ants. Hannah born 1 720, married Nathaniel Rohbins of Marsh- 
field. William, the son of John, also left a family. He had a 
son William born 1702, a daughter Sarah, who married Abner 
Dwelley 1721, and a daughter Hannah, who married Samuel 
Eells in 1729, the son of Rev. Nathaniel Eells. 

The people of this name in this vicinity, are not all descend- 
ants of Rev. William Witherell. There was a John Witherell 
(probably a brother) in Cambridge in 1635, and afterward in 
Watertown. There was also a William Witherell in Taunton 
in 1645, or earher, who left descendants. Judge Witherell of 
Detroit, Michigan, is said to be of his posterity. 



Mr THOMAS MIGHILL 

was the son of Thomas Mighill of Rowley, one of the early 
settlers of that place, and who was their representative in 1648, 
in General Court. Thomas, the second son, was born Octo- 
ber 29, 1639, and received his degree at Harvard College 
1663. He had been a preacher for some years before he came 
to Scituate. We observe in the records of the second Society 
the following entries. 

"Sep. 7, 1680, Thomas King, sen., John Bryant, sen. and 
Charles Stockbridge were chosen a committee to procure a 
minister. Mr Mighill came to us Sept. 19, 1680. 

"Voted to allow 60£ a year for a minister, and 10£ to our 
Pastor Mr Witherell. 

"At a meeting of the Church Feb. 6, 1681, a committee 
was chosen to agree with Mr Mighill for his coming and for 
his transportation, and to get a house for him, so as we do not 
exceed 60£ and his firewood. July 3d, 1681, the Church did 
give the voate that they desired Mr Mighill, to give him a call." 

Mr Mighill, however, declined receiving ordination at that 
time, but continued to assist Mr Witherell till his decease. He 
was ordained October 15, 1684. 

The children born to him after his coming to Scituate, were 
Mary born 1683, Samuel 1685, Grace 1688. 

His ministry was short, he having deceased August 26, 1689. 
There is no record of his death in Scituate, and no monument 
to mark his grave : we are indebted to Hobart's journal for the 
date of his decease. 

Of his brief ministry few notices can be found, and no relick 
of his hterary labours. His family probably returned to Mas- 
sachusetts ; the name is extant in Essex county. 



MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH 196 

In the inventory of his estate is named " a quarter of a sloop, 
valued at 15£ the quarter." 

Abstract of his Will dated 1GS9. 

"To my daughter Elizabeth 60£. 

To my wife Bethia the remainder of my estate, to bring up 
the other three children, Samuel, Mary and Grace : and after 
my wife's decease to be divided to these three, Samuel havmg 
a double portion. 

To Samuel my Library. 

And I entreat the worshipful Mr Samuel Sewall and Mr 
Isaac Addington of Boston, and my loving cousin Mr John 
Wells of Roxbury, to take the oversight of this my will and 
assist my wife, &,c." 

There was a Mr Mighill who erected Iron works at " Drink- 
water," about 1710, and owned a considerable tract of land in 
that vicinity. 

After the decease of Mr Mighill, Mr John Cotton (son of 
Mr Cotton of Plymouth) preached several months Anno 1690-1. 



Mr DEODATE LAWSON. 

This gentleman may have been the son of Christopher 
Lawson, an early settler in Boston, though we do not find his 
name on record in that family. Thomas, the son of Christopher 
Lawson, was born in Boston in 1643, and Mary 1645. Deo- 
date may have been of the same family, and born in New 
Hampshire, as IVIr Farmer informs us that Christopher Lawson 
was afterward in New Hampshire. Deodate not being found 
on the catalogue of Harvard College, however, leads us to 
suspect that he may have been born and educated in England. 
He was a preacher in Danvers in 1688, says Mr Farmer. We 
find he had lived in Boston with a family, previous to that date. 
In 1682, the birth of Deodate, the son of Deodate Lawson and 
Jane his wife, appears on the records of Boston : also his 
second marriage to Deborah Allen in 1692. A hiatus in our 
records prevents our giving the date of his ordination here, but 
it must have been in November of the year 1 694. 

His children born here were Deborah 1694, Richard 1696, 
(and we believe John), and Mordecai Hewitt 1700. 

It is singular that we can find so few traces of his niinistry, 
not even of the baptisms or marriages solemnized by him. It 



196 MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. 

is probable tliat whatever records he kept, he carried away 
on his removal. Touching his removal, we find the following 
documents. 

"September 26, 1698, the Church and Society up the N. 

River in Scituate, being met together, and considering theire 

unsettled state, by reason of the long absence of their Pastor, 

Mr Deodate Lawson, did make choice of Capt. Benjamin 

Stetson, and Dea. Thomas King, to go to the neighboring 

Elders, and acquaint them with their present state and condition, 

and entreat their advice what said Church and Society may 

and ought to doe, being under such circumstances as they at 

present are. 

T3 1 ( James Torrey, 

rer order < -r, rr> » 

( LlISHA lURNER. 

"At a meeting in Weymouth September 28, 1698. The 
Church and Society of the N. River in Scituate according to 
their vote of the 26th, having sent messengers to advise with 
us the Elders of their neighboring Churches, concerning their 
present case and duty, considering their unsettled estate, by 
reason of the long and still continued absence of their Pastor : 
after solemn invocation of the name of God, and consultation 
about his mind and will, we do offer our opinion on their case 
as followeth, viz. that a Pastor, without express consent of his 
people, desisting of the duty of his charge and function, merely 
for secular advantages, and taking no heed to the ministry 
which he hath received of the Lord to fulfill it, nor to the flocke 
over which the Holy Ghost hath made him overseei", to feed 
the flock of God, &ic. for two years together delaying his re- 
turn, notwithstanding many faire advantages offered him for the 
same, and signifying unto his people neither any justifiable rea- 
sons of his absence, nor any resolved intention of speedy return, 
is faulty before God : and his people are not to blame if they use 
all Evangelical endeavors to settle themselves with another 
Pastor, more spiritually and more fixedly disposed. 

Samuel Torrey, (of Weymouth), 
Moses Fisk, (Braintree), 
Nehemiah Hobart, (Newton), 
Zechariah Whitman, (Hull), 
Peter Thatcher, (INIihon), 
John Danforth, (Dorchester), 
Joseph Belcher, (Dedham), 
Joseph Baxter, (Medfield)." 



MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. 197 

In November 1698, the Church and Society "voted to 
accept the advice of the Elders," also " chose Capt. Benjamin 
Stetson and Dea. Thomas King to procure a Minister in order 
to ordination and settlement." 

We find no further traces of Mr Lawson or of his family, 
unless John Lawson was his son, who married Mary Leach 
in 1721, and whose son John was born in 1722, as appears by 
our records. 

Rev. NATHANIEL EELLS 

was the son of Samuel Eells, Esq. of Hingham. His mother 
was Anna Lenthal, the daughter of the Rev. Robert Lenthal of 
Weymouth.* Capt. Eells, afterward Major Eells, commanded 
a garrison at Ponagansett (Dartmouth) in Philip's war, and we 
understand it to have been the same gentleman above named. 
He is found to have been a resident in Hingham soon after the 
close of that war. He there married a second wife, called 
Sarah North in Hobart's journal, and the widow Sarah Peck 
in the Clerk's records of that town. We reconcile these 
records by supposing that the lady had been Sarah North 
before her marriage to Mr Peck, and family tradition confirms 
this supposition. She was doubtless the widow of Mr Joseph 
Peck. We find no record of births of this family in Hingham, 
and where their children were born we have not discovered. 
Major Eells died in Hingham in 1709, and his widow died in 
Scituate in 1711. We have discovered that two of his daugh- 
ters married in Hingham, viz. Anna to Thomas Wilder in 1704, 
and Elizabeth to John Stowell in 1710. 

Rev. Nathaniel of Scituate, was born 1678, and received 
his degree at Harvard College in 1699. The first notice of 
him in Scituate is January 12, 1702-3, when "the Church 
and Society chose a Committee to discourse with Mr Eells, 
concerning his settling with us in the work of the ministry." 
Again in July 1703, "The agents before chosen are directed 
to apply themselves to Mr Eells, at his return to Hingham, 
concerning his settlement in the work of the ministry." We 
conclude that in the interim between the above dates, he had 
preached in other places. August 18, 1703, "Voted to invite 
Mr Eells to settle, and to allow him for his maintenance 65£ 

* Rev. Robert Lenthal left Weymouth in 1640 : he was in Newport in 
1641, where he was engaged in a controversy against Nicholas Easton, 
Coddington and Coggeshall, who had begun to hold forth the doctrine that 
God is the author of sin. (Winthrop II. 40). 



198 MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. 

per annum, and the use of the Parsonage." He was ordamed 
June 14, 1704. The marriage of Mr Eells is recorded in 
Hingham, viz. " Mr Nathaniel Eells of Scituate to Hannah 
North of Hingham, by Samuel Eells, Jus. P. Oct. 12, 1704." 
She was the relative of the wife of Samuel Eells, Esq. and 
both were descended of the noble family of that name in Eng- 
land. She was the aunt of Frederick Lord North, Prime 
minister of England during the American Revolution. Some 
of Mr Eells's descendants, viz. Nathaniel and Richard Williams 
of Taunton, his grandsons, visited England after the Revolu- 
tion, with the hope of obtaining some fraction of his lordship's 
estate, as he was childless, but we beheve they did not meet 
with success. 

Mr Eells resided in the parsonage-house at first, after his 
marriage. April 1704, "The Society voted to repair the 
parsonage-house, and make it tenantable and convenient for 
Mr Eells to dwell in." He had been a boarder in the family 
of the widow Lydia Barrell previous to his ordination. He 
resided at the parsonage until 1715, when he purchased a 
spacious house of Mr Joseph Henchman. It stood on the north 
side of the way, a few rods east of the parting of the two roads 
that lead from the south Meeting-house, the one to Boston, and 
the other to mount Blue, (see Henchman, Family Sketches). 
Here he resided until his decease, August 25, 1750, aged 72. 
There are a few aged people now living who remember him. 
They describe his person to have been of a stature rather above 
mediocrity, of broad chest and muscular proportions, remarkably 
erect, somewhat corpulent in his late years, of dark complexion, 
with large black eyes and brows, and of general manners rather 
dignified and commanding than sprightly and pleasing. He 
had an influence and authority amongst his people that none of 
his successors have exercised, and which may have been in 
some measure a peculiarity of earlier times than these. The 
controversy with which his predecessors had been agitated had 
ceased. The Quakers, by not being persecuted here, had 
become quiescent. Whitefield's New light, and his spirit of 
denunciation had been kept out of his society, by the deter- 
mined stand which he took against him ; and the times were 
prosperous and happy.* His people were delighted to see him 
at their doors, as he rode up on horseback to inquire after their 
health, and to hand his pipe to be lighted. We mean no satire 
by recording this trifle ; for he was a venerable man, and so 

* See Appendix. 



MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. 199 

beloved, that every parishioner would take pleasure in perform- 
ing such an office for him. He was also a leader amongst the 
neighboring clergy — well acquainted with the constitution and 
usages of the Churches, weighty in counsel, and often called to 
distant parts of the State, and to other States on Ecclesiastical 
Councils. As a preacher, there is reason to believe that he 
did not so much excel as in his dignity of character and sound- 
ness of understanding. We have seen a volume in manuscript 
of nearly an hundred sermons, which he used to carry with him 
when he travelled abroad. They embrace a considerable 
variety of subjects, and enabled him to preach at any time and 
on any occasion. They begin with his own ordination sermon, 
which he himself preached, according to ancient custom, and 
include the sermons which he composed during the few first 
years of his ministry. Were we to judge of his talents from 
these alone, we should not do him justice. There are a few 
discourses in print which are very respectable productions, and 
in particular those delivered at the ordinations of his two sons. 
He preached the Election sermon in 1743, (Deut. xxxii. 47.) 
His sentiments were the moderate Calvinism of that day : 
we have seen one sermon on the doctrine of election, which 
had many explanations closely bordering on Arminianism. In 
the latter part of his life he continued to speak of Arminian free 
will as an error, but with no asperity. Mr Lemuel Bryant of 
Quincy, who had gone somewhat before the age in liberal 
speculations, preached for him on a certain day, and delivered 
a sermon which he afterwards printed, (on the text, " all our 
righteousnesses are filthy rags,") and explained the text in the 
manner which would now be generally acceptable, showing that 
the formalities of a corrupt generation of the Jews were therein 
described, and not the moral virtues of true worshippers, which 
led Mr Eells to say, "Alas ! Sir, you have undone to-day, all 
that I have been doing for forty years," and Bryant with his 
accustomed wit and courtesy replied, " Sir, you do me too much 
honor in saying, that I could undo in one sermon, the labours 
of your long and useful life." An aged and highly intelligent 
gentleman, who related this anecdote to us twenty years since 
also remarked that Mr Eells preached a series of sermons 
afterward, with a view to correct Mr Bryant's errors, but it was 
not easy, remarked the same gentleman, to discern much differ- 
ence between his doctrine and that of Mr Bryant. On the 
whole, we believe there has rarely been known a ministry of 
forty-six years, which so many circumstances conspired to 
render successful and happy. There are a few now living that 



200 MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. 

remember the solemn day of fasting and prayer, kept by his 
people, on account of his death. 

Mr Eells prepared his own sons and several other young 
men for College, and also for the ministry: amongst whom we 
can name President Clap of Yale College, Rev. David Turner 
of Rehoboth, and Rev. Thomas Clap of Taunton, afterwards 
Judge Clap. 

There is no man of eminence, but who suffers detraction for 
the very reason that he is eminent. Thus it has often been told 
as a satire upon Mr Eells, that in his simplicity, he one day 
directed his scholars to dig for a thunderbolt at the foot of a 
tree, where the lightning had made an excavation. We have 
no great confidence in the truth of the story : but if it were true, 
it was but a specimen of the general ignorance at that time, 
in a certain branch of philosophy, for it was before Franklin 
had made his discoveries in Electricity. 

We have no doubt that Mr Eells had disciplined himself into 
an extraordinary self command. His less placid partner (whose 
name had been North) did not so well endure the disagreeable 
events of life, and when chafed with family vexations, she 
would say, "It is wonderful that so good a man as my husband 
should have such wayward children." He would pleasantly 
reply, " True, and you seem to be sensible that the mischief 
lies in the North side of the family." 

His children were Sarah born 1705, and who married Ben- 
jamin Turner, (son of Thomas Turner of Hanover), 1726. 

Samuel born 1706, who married Hannah Witherell (grand- 
daughter of Rev. William) in 1729, and settled in Scituate. 
From him have descended Robert Eells, Esq. and others of 
Hanover.* 

John born 1709, who married Abiah Waterman 1730, and 
lived in a house fifty rods east of his father's. He had a son 
Waterman. 

JVathaniel born 1710, received a degree at Harvard College 
1728, and was ordained pastor of Stonington, Connecticut 1733. 
The same year he married Mercy, the daughter of Hon. John 
Gushing of Scituate. 

Edward born 1712, received a degree at Harvard College 
1733, and was ordained pastor in Middletown, Connecticut, 
1737. Both Edward and Nathaniel, we believe, have posterity 
in Connecticut and New York. 

* Robert, Esq., Joseph, EtUvard and Samuel are sons of Robert Lenthal 
Eells, and grandsons of Samuel. Their mother Ruth Copeland, (see 
Copeland). 



MINISTERS OF THE SECONB CHURCH. 201 

Hannah born 1714, married Anthony Eames of Marshfield, 
and has left posterUy. 

Mary born 1716, married Seth Williams of Taunton, 1738, 
and has left descendants. 

Aor^A born 1718, married Ruth Tilden 1741, and has left 
descendants in Scituate. His grandson Nathaniel, son of Na- 
thaniel, deceased 1831. 

Anna Lenthal born 1721, married Zechariah Daman 1748, 
and has left posterity in Scituate and Hanover : Edward 
Galen, &ic. 

The widow of Mr Eells survived him about four years, 
having deceased May 2, 1754. 

The family of Eells came to New England early. There 
was a John Eells, ireeman in Massachusetts, 1632, who may 
have been the grandfather of our minister. The Rev. Nathan- 
iel we know had a brother John, whose daughter Frances 
deceased at the house of her uncle in Scituate. She is called 
"the daughter of John Eells late of Milford." She died 1718. 

There was a John Eells of Sandwich, whose sons Bennet 
and Mordecai were born 1648 and 1650; but whether the 
same who was freeman in Massachusetts in 1632, we have not 
ascertained. Parhaps his family have changed the name to 
Ellis. There was also a Roger Eells of Yarmouth, whose son 
John was born 1648. 



Rev. JONATHAN DORBY 

was the son of Capt. Eleazer Dorby of Boston, and Mary his 
wife, who was the daughter of John Gushing, Esq. married in 
1721. Capt. Dorby lived for a short time in Scituate, and 
Eleazer his first son was born here 1722. Jonathan was born 
in Boston in 1727, and received a degree at Harvard College 
1747. He came to Scituate in the spring of 1751. In July 
following the Church and Society voted to invite him to settle, 
offering " for his maintenance 80£ lawful money and the use 
of the Parsonage :" and in September following " 5£ in addition 
to what had been voted before." 

He was ordained November 13, 1751. But his ministry 
and his life were very brief. He had gone to Hingham to 
exchange pulpit services with Mr Gay, and was there attacked 
with a fever at the house of Mr Lincoln, (father of General 
Benjamin Lincoln), which terminated his life after a sickness 
26 



202 MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. 

of five days. He died April 22, 1754, in the twenty-eighth 
year of his age and the third year of his ministry. He had 
been an inmate of the family of Judge John Gushing, his 
maternal uncle, and was about to be married to his daughter 
Mary, when his bright course was arrested.* His remains 
were placed in the family tomb of the Cushings. 

Mr Dorby is described as of moderate stature, fair complex- 
ion, round features and blue eyes : in his manners graceful and 
winning : using much familiarity in his intercourse with his 
people, without disgusting, and entering their dwellings like a 
son or a brother. As a preacher, we have a sufficient testimony 
of his lively and interesting manner, in the memory of many 
who knew him : but of his talents as a writer we have less 
decisive proof. We have seen but one sermon (in manuscript) 
of his, and that was of course an early production. It however 
might be considered as a respectable performance. f 

* Their bans were published April 13, 1754. She married Rev. Ebenezer 
Gay of Suffield, 17U3. The first ancestor of Rev. Mr Dorby in this country, 
we believe, was Edward of Boston, whose cliildren were JMary, Elcazer and 
others, born from lOiiO forward. Eleazer was tlie father of Mary, born 
1G88, and of Capt. Eleazer, father of Rev. Jonathan. Capt. Eleazer was a 
mariner. 

t Since writing the above, we have discovered that Dr. Gay of Hingham 
preached at the ordinalion ofMr Dorby, November 13, 1751, from Rev. i. 16. 
" And he had in his right hand seven stars." In his address to tlie people 
in that discourse, he thus alludes to the late pastor Mr Eells, and to the 
pastor elect : 

" ' One star differcth from another star in glory.' That, with the comfortable 
and enlivening rays of which ye were favored for the space of forty-six years, 
was of distinguished lustre : and its influences, how sweet and extensive ! 
The neighboring Churches, yea, the Land rejoiced with ) ou in the light 
therof There never was in this country, if in the Christian world, a minister 
so frequently sought to, as your late deceased Pastor, when the Churches 
wanted ligiit and peace : and liis coming to their help, in the way of Eccle- 
siastical cotms.-l, wherin lie, for tlie most purl, modeiiiUd, might seein as the 
welcome approach of Mazaroth in his season, or the kindly aspect of a 
benevolent phuiet with his satellites. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how 
holily and justly and unblameably he behaved himself among you : as ye 
know how he exhorted, and comforted and charged every one of you, as a 
father doth his children. But alas! that burning and shining light, little 
dimmed or diminished by age, was suddenly extinguished from your ejes. 

" ' But lo ! he that is in tlie midst of the Churches, hatJi another star in liis 
right hand, which he this day giveth you.' 

" I can from intimate acquaintance, bear this young man witness, that he 
hath taken laudable pains to be thoroughly furnisiied unto the good, but 
arduous work he is designed for, and by the blessing of God on liis prepara- 
tory studies, hath acquired those desirable qualifications, which have justly 
recommended him to your well advised choice. And I may, with little 
variation, say to you of him, as Paul did to the Philippians concerning his son 
Timothy : ' I know no man like minded, who will naturally care for your 
slate.' ' See that he be with you without fear, for he worketh the work of 
God.' Let not his light be obscured by poverty or reproach that he shall 



MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. 203 

His death was deeply lamented. But perhaps, as it regarded 
himself, we ought not to pronounce his lot an unfortunate one. 
So far as his memory on earth is concerned, it can hardly be 
esteemed unfortunate — and no man of elevated mind can 
disregard wholly what shall be said of him after his death : 

" Servi igitur, iis etiam judicibus, qui multis post saeculis, 
de te judicabunt," was Cicero's advice to Ca3sar, and may well 
be regarded even by the Christian. Every idea or image of 
Dorby, which memory has called up since his decease, has 
been one of a fair model of the human species in its vigor and 
and not in its decline, or of increasing, not of waning honors, 
nor the remnants of manhood and of mind, which age is con- 
stantly rendering less valuable and lovely. Certainly, in the 
light of Christian faith, we cannot imagine that Dorby should 
shine the less " as a star," for having been transferred in his 
brisrhtness from earth to heaven. 



Rev. DAVID BARNES, D. D. 

was the son of Daniel Barnes of Marlboro, a substantial farmer. 
Daniel was the son of John Barnes, and probably the grandson 
of Richard Barnes, who settled in that town as early as 1660; 
having taken the freeman's oath that year. Dr. Barnes, whose 
mother was Zeruiah Eager, was the fifth in order of twelve 
children, and born March 24, 1731. He received his first 
degree at Harvard College 1752. He began to preach at an 
early season after leaving College, for we find that he received 
an invitation to become the pastor of Quincy in 1753. This 
invitation was declined : it was afterwards renewed with more 
favorable proposals, and again declined. He preached first at 
Scituate in June 1754, and on the 15th of August the same 
year, received an unanimous invitation to become the pastor of 
the second Church and Society. The salary proposed was 
" 80£ and the use of the Parsonage so long as he shall continue 
in the ministry in this place." He was ordained November 
27, 1754. He continued to reside at the parsonage until 1770, 
when he purchased a farm of John Turner's heirs, near the 

suffer from you. Let not your minds be so blinded by tiie god of this world, 
or the mist of prejudice, or the dust of perverse disputings, tliat tiieir dark- 
ness should be impenetrable to the rays of Gospel light. Tlie brightest star 
is not ordained in the firmament of the Church, merely for people to gaze 
upon, to observe its motions and admire its glitterings, but to travel by, as 
did the wise men, in the way to Christ and Heaven." 



204 MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. 

north-west side of the parish common, and erected a house. 
The parish Meeting-house was built the same summer, and 
meetings were held in Dr. Barnes's unfinished house, during 
the erection of the Meeting-house. This house and farm was 
purchased by Mr John Nash, after Dr. Barnes's decease ; and 
the house and ten acres of land were soon sold again to Capt. 
Isaac Whittemore. 

Dr. Barnes entered upon the ministry with fair prospects, his 
people being united and prosperous. We have heard something 
of his privations and difficulties during the Revolutionary war. 
His salary, paid in the depreciated currency of the time, was of 
very little value. Fortunately his wife had property, which 
afforded his family a subsistence. It was a time of universal 
privation and suffering, and this was duly considered by Dr. 
Barnes : for he was not known to complain, unless indeed, it 
may be said, that after days of prosperity returned to his people, 
he felt wounded that no consideration was made to him, on 
account of the almost total deficiency of his salary in previous 
years. His ministry continued in a good degree of quiet from 
the troubles of religious dissensions almost to the last. A short 
time before his death, the spirit of faultfinding began to move, 
and a stricter mode of Calvinism began to call for a separation, 
but had produced no great effect during his life. We believe 
he was remarkable for his meekness in " instructing those that 
opposed," and by parables, rather than by direct argument, he 
was accustomed to converse with such. A neighbor who was 
a Calvinist of the straitest sect, having frequently spent long 
sittings in arguing with Dr. Barnes, was finally answered by the 
following parable. 

"You, Sir, are a gentleman, to whom the jDublick feels and 
acknowledges much obligation for your mechanical skill and 
inventions. Now we will suppose that your powers should be 
so far increased that you could make intelligent beings, and 
that you should produce thousands each day, formed with all 
the endowments of the human race. Then suppose that your 
neighbours should enquire, what destination you proposed for 
these beings ; and you should reply, that you had also prepared 
a place of torment to which you proposed to condemn the 
greater part — not for any personal offence against you, but 
because you had made them for that end : and that the remain- 
ing few you had destined, in the same arbitrary manner, to 
another place of perfect happiness, which you had also prepared. 
Now, Sir, suppose that your neighbors were furnished with the 
common sense of mankind, concerning justice and goodness in 



MINISTERS OP THE SECOND CHURCH. 205 

the administration of one being, who has a controlling power 
over other beings, would they not knock your shop down, and 
say that such a wicked trade should not go on ?" 

He was an acceptable preacher to his people from the com- 
mencement of his ministry, but near the middle of life, he is 
said to have come forward with new powers, and to have 
become a popular preacher throughout a considerable circle of 
the churches. He preached the Dudleian lecture at Harvard 
College in 1780, (John xx. 31), and he was honored with the 
degree of D. D. in 1788. 

His ministry may be said to have been long, for very few 
have exceeded fifty-seven years. His health had never been 
robust, but he preserved it with great care and skill. He 
laboured in his fields with a view to health : and at one period 
of his life was a great walker, and in short took a fancy to run, 
and would continue it, at a moderate pace, for miles. When 
about forty years of age, he was affected with an asthma, and 
(as he has told the writer) during one entire year, he did not 
sleep a single night in his bed : he used to sit and sleep, and 
wake and read alternately. He often observed that he had a 
tendency to fever in his constitution, and he had been thereby 
"condemned to an abstemious diet." For the last three years 
of his life, his voice had failed, and a general weakness of 
muscles rendered his walk tottering and unsafe : in short, he 
was in a degree paralytic, as his features occasionally indicated. 
He was extremely deaf for ten years, which led him to talk the 
more without listening to others, and it was often both amusing 
and instructive to hear the dialogues which he would carry on 
by himself in the midst of company ; for, not like the generality 
of aged people, would he ever sit silent, or speak only in 
monosyllables. 

He was a Christian philosopher of so elevated a kind, that it 
was not every one that could fully appreciate his feehngs and 
conversation. It was a matter of surprise to some, that he 
would speak so familiarly of his own death, and therefore they 
unjustly attributed it to an obtuse sensibihty. It was far other- 
wise — even the resignation of Christian faith. He never 
sighed " Oh ! mihi praeteritos referat si Jupiter annos :" but 
with onward views, he would often say, " that were it not the 
fixed design of Providence that nothing should go back, it 
would be his voluntary choice to go forward, and to see for 
himself, what is to come in other modes of existence." He 
had, in a remarkable degree, overcome the fear of death, by 
making it a subject of constant meditation, in the light of Chris- 



206 MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. 

tian faith. His only painful prospect, in his late years, was 
that he might survive his usefulness ; but in this respect his 
prayers were nearly answered. Fifteen months before his 
decease, a colleague was ordained, from which time he at- 
tempted but few public performances : but those were not only 
interesting, as being the last efforts of an unconmion mind, but 
excellent in themselves ; for when he would allude to his own 
waning light, and to the increasing light of those who were 
rising behind him, his audience were melted in tears, not so 
much of tenderness perhaps, as of admiration at his magnanim- 
ity. He deceased, with all the Christian philosophy with which 
he had lived, April 26, 1811, having completed eighty years, 
of which fifty-seven had been the term of his ministry. He 
gave directions to his son, that his remains should be laid in a 
grave, by the side of those of his consort, (who had deceased 
October 22, 1805, aged 78), and that both graves should be 
covered with one plain monument of granite. 

In person, Dr. Barnes was of rather slight form, of middling 
stature, and erect: his complexion had approached to the 
florid in his youth : his eyes were grey, his forehead and brows 
prominent, and his nose aquiline. His form is the more dis- 
tinctly remembered, and not with the less veneration, for his 
having retained the ancient fashions of dress, and worn the last 
of the grey wigs. 

As a preacher, it would be difficult to describe him, for he 
was hke none other. His voice, we believe, was never remark- 
able for sweet tones, and his skill in varying its tones was but 
ordinary. He would sometimes startle his audience with a 
high note, and then fall rather abruptly to a low one. His 
manner might be called familiar, and the whole, though unique, 
was never displeasing, but always calculated to keep up atten- 
tion. It was, however, the matter of his discourses which 
constituted their chief excellence. Perhaps no preacher has 
lived, who treated his audience with a greater variety, which 
circumstance gave fault finders an occasion to accuse him of 
not being evangelical. He was too much a man of genius to be 
confined to a narrow round of subjects, and too much a man of 
piety to touch any subject, whhout leading the mind to import- 
ant lessons in religion. For instance, his sermons on " the east 
wind — on the lightning — on making salt — on bees — on the 
basket of summer fruit, (Amos viii. 1.)" seem not to have been 
evangelical, at the first thought, but they were beautiful defences 
and illustrations of divine Providence. But, though he preached 
in a great variety, during his long ministry, evangelical subjects, 



MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. 207 

in a more strict sense, were his favourites. Dr. Barnes did not 
practise frequent exchanges, though he was always ready to 
accommodate his brethren. It was his famihar maxim, that 
" a minister's stock is of that nature, that the more he uses, the 
more he has left." 

His style was remarkable for a sententious brevity, which 
gave rise to a common remark, that his discourses were dusters 
of maxims. The writer of this can never forget the charge, 
given by the venerable Doctor to him, when ordained his 
colleague. It was never published, for it could never be found 
— perhaps it was not written but in part. It was full of pointed 
sayings like the following: "In attempting to instruct your 
people, be careful not to preach what they will not understand, 
and especially careful not to preach what you don't understand 
yourself." 

He was a great admirer of Dr. Gay of Hingham, for those 
pithy sayings, in which he himself excelled. He once remarked 
to the writer, that at the funeral of Dr. Gay's wife, there was 
much touching eloquence displayed ; but that one sentence of 
the Doctor at the grave, was of more value than all the rest, 
viz. " I thank you, my friends, for burying the poor remains of 
my wife out of my sight.'' Ignorance might mistake the purport 
of this quotation from the words of Abraham, but Dr. Barnes 
could see in it the reach of an elevated mind. It was like 
himself, whose maxims and apt quotations were and are in the 
mouths of every one who knew him. 

People of straiter sects used to remark that Dr. Barnes had 
formed too good an opinion of human nature, and always 
avoided the accusing strain, even towards the most worthless of 
mankind. It may have been a trait in his character. But 
while his heart was full of tenderness, and his words full of 
prudence, those words were often of the deepest import, and 
like parables, of the keenest application. 

" Tam unice vituperat, ut laudare videtur." 

Plinv. 

As Dr. Barnes was a Christian philosopher, so he was a 
philosopher in the affairs of life, and looked at every thing with 
a view to practical uses. He was a farmer, not more in theory 
than in practice, not more in experiment, than in following the 
best examples already struck out, and seeing at once, how to 
turn his fields and his labour to the best account. He studied 
the qualities of domestick animals — the adaptation of crops to 
soils — and the curious economy of bees, and was successful in 
their management. 



208 MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. 

But in no qualification was he more amiable, than in In's 
spirit of hospitality. His house was a favorite resort of his 
clerical brethren, and of an extensive acquaintance, beside the 
people of his own charge. Had the ancient literary trick been 
in fashion, of transposing the letters of one's name to make out 
a sense expressive of character, we believe that many an 
anagram would have been made upon his name, with reference 
to his liospitality ; and nothing could have been more suitable 
than that witty saying, recorded by Mather of Mr Ward, the 
first minister of Ipswich, (the simple cobler of Agawam, as he 
styles himself in the title page of a curious book), who, when 
anagrams were called for on the name of the venerable John 
Wilson of Boston, said with great humour, "the anagram of 
John Wilson is, 1 pray you come in, you are heartily welcome." 

Dr. Barnes left in print several ordination sermons, a dis- 
course at the Derby Academy, a sermon on the death of his 
daughter, Mrs. Cotton, a sermon on the love of life and fear of 
death — a sermon on the death of Washington. There is also 
extant a posthumous volume, published by the Society for pro- 
moting Christian knowledge, piety and charity. 

The following notice appeared in the publick papers at the 
time of his decease, which, I shall be pardoned for saying, was 
from Dr. Allyne of Duxbury. 

"Dr. Barnes was distinguished amongst his brethren for 
much thinking, though not for much speaking. His mind was 
seldom inert. In small circles he was communicative, and 
never wanted topicks of useful reflection and conversation. 
His company was highly instructive and entertaining. Altogether 
free from pedantry and envy, a friend to all men, and a hearty 
lover of good men ; he would have been delighted in the society 
of such men as Mr Locke, Bishop Watson and Dr. Paley. 
One biographical remark on the last mentioned writer may be 
justly appropriated to Dr. Barnes: 'At no time of his life was 
he a hard student, according to the common acceptation of that 
word, which is used rather to describe one who reads, than one 
who thinks much. His writings do not display any very pro- 
found or extensive acquaintance with books: they are valued, 
not for discussing or deciding upon the opinions of learned men, 
but for original and enlightened reflections on the transactions 
of human Hfe, such as may be supposed to have passed before 
him, or to have come to his knowledge, without any laborious 
enquiry.' 

"The subject of this obituary notice was a firm enemy to all 
hierarchical principles, as well among protestants as papists — a 



MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. 309 

warm advocate for the liberty of private judgment — averse to 
common theological controversies, and above all to the usual 
temper of disputants : and if prevailed on to enter the lists, his 
way was to begin with acute discriminations and precise defini- 
tions. He was tolerant without religious indifference — candid, 
without forgetting to be severe against folly and vice — and 
devout, without any ' mysterious carriage of the body to cover 
the defects of the mind.' His prayers seemed to be dictated 
by the emotions of his heart on the occasion, and were extem- 
poraneous in an unusual sense. The want of solemnity in his 
manner of speaking, a similarity of vocal inflection, and the 
abruptness of his cadences, might suggest to a stranger, the idea 
of levity and indevotion 5 but the starting tear and faltering 
tongue would soon remove the false impression. The wisdom 
and goodness of God in the permission of evil — the evidences 
of Christianity — the philosophy of social hfe — the doctrine of 
habits and association of ideas — the excellency of nature's 
laws, were among his favorite topicks of preaching and conver- 
sation ; and what appeared strange to some, he would often 
connect maxims of frugality, temperance and industry with his 
ideas of religion. He was popular with those capable of appre- 
ciating " words so fitly spoken as to resemble apples of gold in 
pictures of silver." The most rational and judicious delighted 
to hear him. His sermons were transcripts of his mind, and 
his mind was always exhibited without any disguise. He 
inculcated no lessons which he did not practise, and dwelt 
much on the virtues for which he was distinguished, viz. candor, 
humility, patience, meekness. In this last particular, he may 
be compared to Moses. Had he lived in the Apostolic age, 
with Thomas, he would probably have doubted — in kind affec- 
tions, he would have emulated the character of John : but he 
would have stood aloof from those disciples who were desirous 
to call down fire from heaven upon the Samaritans. To extir- 
pate heresy by consuming hereticks, was a thuig equally abhor- 
rent to his judgment and feelings. 

When such men die, the living are to be compassionated. 
Dr. Barnes, in his latter years, was solicitous lest he might 
survive his ability to do good, and his usefulness not be pro- 
longed with his days. He suffered much from the apprehension 
of being cast by as a "broken vessel." But it was only for 
the space of one or two years that his friends had cause to 
lament the wreck of a wise and a good mind. 

In the circle of his acquaintance, a rich and unfailing fountain 
of intellectual improvement and social enjoyment is closed up. 
27 



210 MINISTERS OF THE SECOND CHURCH. 

The flock of his charge may recollect and parodize the words 
of the sentimental journalist, and with an application to their 
deceased pastor, say, " we thought we duly respected him when 
he was alive, but now he is dead, we fear it was otherwise." 

Dr. Barnes married Rachel, the daughter of Hon. George 
Leonard of Norton, 1756. His children were Rachel, born 
July 11, 1757. She was married to Josiah Cotton, Esq. clerk 
of the Courts of Plymouth, 1789. She deceased in middle 
life, leaving a son and a daughter. 

Hon. David L. Barnes, born January 28, 1760. He was a 
lawyer of distinction in Taunton and Providence, and Judge of 
the United States Court for the district of Rhode Island. He 
married Mrs. Russell of Providence. He deceased in 1814, 
leaving a son and several daughters. 

^nna, born September 26, 1765. She married William 
Jackson, Esq. of Plymouth, 1788, and deceased in middle life, 
leaving two sons and one daughter. 

One brother of Dr. Barnes, viz. Solomon, deceased Decem- 
ber 1830, in Marlboro. He was ninety years of age on the 
20th of June, 1830. 

When Dr. Barnes retired from the labours of the ministry in 
1809, he compounded with his parish for £100. Assistance 
was procured for him in June of that year. The only candi- 
dates employed were Mr WilHam Torrey, Mr Ezekiel Rich, 
and the present pastor, who was ordained February 14, 1810. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 211 

FAMILY SKETCHES 

IN ALPHABETICAL SERIES. 



JAMES ADAMS 

was the son of John Adams, who came to Plymouth in the 
Fortune in 1621, and whose widow Eleanor married Kenelm 
Winslow. James married Frances, the daughter of Mr William 
Vassall of Scituate, 1646. He was a member of the second 
religious Society in Scituate, though his farm was on the 
Marshfield side of the river, probably near the place of the late 
Capt. George Little. His children were William born 1647, 
Anna 1649, Richard 1651, Mary 1653, Margaret 1654, all 
baptized in the second Church in Scituate. It is stated in the 
Historical Society's papers, that he died on board the ship 
James of London, 1651. This mistake (at least in date) is 
adopted by Mr Farmer also. John Adams, jr. of Marshfield, 
married Jane James 1654, and left a family. 



HENRY ADVERD, (or ADFORD) 

was a householder in Scituate 1640. His farm was south of 
John Bryant's, and west of "the block-house," on the second 
Herring brook. He married Tamsen Manson 1643. His 
children were Mary, Elizabeth and Sarah, baptized in the 
second Church 1651, and Experience 1652. He died 1653. 
That year "the Town allowed for the buryall of Henry 
Adverd 8s." 



NICOLAS ALBESON, "the Sweede." 

This name is not to be found written in full in our records : 
" Nicolas the Sweede," is the uniform manner of writing it. 
The committee which made report to Gov. Winslow of the 
losses of Scituate in Philip's war, write it as we have done at 
the head of this article. He was early here; had lands in 



212 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

1636 — was a householder before 1647, (see division of lands), 
and was entitled to a share in the division of common lands. 
His house stood forty rods north of Parker lane, and west of 
the farm of Rawlins, (now Col. James Curtis's), on a small 
hill. It was burnt by the Indians May 20, 1676. The next 
year, the Town "voted to raise 3£ toward rebuilding the 
Sweede's house." Several anecdotes concerning him are 
handed down, such as his baptizing his own children, he. : but 
they preserve his memory only as a wild and singular man. 
His children are not on record, and the name has not been 
continued in this Town. 

ISAIAH ALDEN, Jr. 

of Scltuate Harbour, often employed in the publick business of 
the Town, is the son of Isaiah Alden, Esq. of Duxbury, and a 
descendant of Mr John Alden, who first landed upon the Ply- 
mouth rock. He married Mercy, the daughter of Lemuel Vinall, 
and has a family. 

JOHN ALLEN 

was one of the Conihassett partners in 1646. Probably the 
same person had lands in Plymouth in 1633. 

His house in Scituate stood twenty rods south of the bridge 
at the Harbour.* He died 1661, and his widow Ann ad- 
ministered. 

Tiiere is no record of the births of his children here. He 
had a family connexion with Lawrence Litchfield, and probably 
came from Barnstable with him 1645, to Scituate. 

His son John succeeded to his father's lands. He was an 
Ensign in 1670, and Captain 1686. He kept a garrison in 
Scituate in Philip's war. He was living in Scituate 1698, but 
left no posterity here. His daughter Jeane was born in Scit- 
uate 1669. She married John Marshall of Boston, 1697, who 
was the son of John and Ruth, married in Boston 1664, which 
latter was the son of John and Sarah Marshall, married 1643. 

This family disappears from our records about 1700. 

There is no trace of this family in Scituate in 1633, as 
Farmer's Register states. We conjecture that the Aliens of 
Barnstable, and Dr. Allyn of Duxbury, are of this family. 

* He occupied the house of Edward Foster, and John Allen, Jun. pur* 
chased it of Timothv Foster ItiTi). 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 213 



GEORGE ALLEN, 

of Scituate Harbour, is the son of Rev. Morrell Allen of 
Pembroke, and Hannah his wife, daughter of Hon. Josiah Dean 
of Raynham. George married Hannah Ensign, the daughter 
of Ensign Otis, jr. in 1828, and succeeded to the mercantile 
business of his father in-law. This family descended, as we 
are informed, from Rev. John Allen or AUin, the first minister 
of Dedham, who came to New England 1638, was ordained 
1639, and deceased 1675, aged seventy-five. 



ANTHONY ANNABLE 

arrived at Plymouth in the ship Ann, 1623. He sold his 
house in Plymouth to Daniel Ray, 1630, and came to Scituate 
that year. His house here was on Kent street, the sixth lot 
from Satuit brook, between Elder Henry Cobb's on the north, 
and the Meeting-house common on the south. He had also 
eighty acres of land on Stony cove at the North river, between 
that Cove and Edward Foster's land on the south. He was a 
useful and exemplary man. He was deputy (with Edward 
Foster) to the first Colony Court 1639. Li 1640, he sold his 
lands to Thomas Rawlins, and removed to Barnstable. His 
daughter Sai-ah married Henry Ewell 1638, of Scituate. 

Hannah married Thomas Bowman of Barnstable, 1644. 

Susanna married William Hatch of Scituate, 1652. 

Anthony, jr. had married Jane Alcock, who died early, (in 
1643), and 1644, he married Ann Clark of Plymouth. He 
had children, Samuel born 1646, Esek 1648, Desire 1652. 
Of these, Samuel married the daughter of Thomas Allen, and 
deceased 1678, leaving sons. Anthony Annable, sen. deceased 
at Barnstable 1673. We believe there are a few descendants 
of this family in Boston. 



JOHN BAILEY 

appears first in Scituate, as tenant to Capt. John Williams before 
1670, at Farm neck. He married Sarah White (perhaps of 
Weymouth) 1672, also Ruth Clothier 1699. He deceased 
1718, and names in his will, " To sons John, Joseph, Benjamin, 



214 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

William and Samuel 4£ each in addition to what they have 
already received. To daughter Mary Perry 60£, son William 
Executor." His farm had been a gilt of Capt. John Williams, 
(see his will). 

These children were born as follows: John 1673, Sarah 
1675, Mary 1677, (wife of James Perry 1700), Joseph 1679, 
Benja. 1682, (who was resident at Marlboro 1713), William 
born 1685, (who married Judith Booth 1714), Hannah born 
1687, (wife of James Briggs, jr. 1714), Samuel born 1690, 
who probably removed after his father's decease. 

John married Abigail, daughter of Dea. Samuel Clap, 1700; 
children, Jane born 1700, John 1703, Jacob 1706, Capt. Israel 
1708, Timothy 1709, (who married Sarah Buck 1731, and 
probably removed), Abigail 1712, (wife of John Bates 1733), 
Sarah 1714, (wife of Thomas Jenkins 1731), Deborah and 
Hannah 1717, Rachel 1719, Naomi 1722. 

Joseph left a family, viz. Dea. Joseph born 1704, Martha 
1707, Ruth 1709, (wife of Dea. Josiah Edson of Bridgewater 
1737), Benjamin 1712, Ebenezer 1714, Seth 1717, Caleb 
1720, Adams 1722. 

Capt. Israel married Keziah Perry 1730, children, Rlioda 
born 1731, Israel 1732, Keziah 1734, Hannah 1736, Abigail 
1738, Rachel 1740, Ward 1742, Sarah 1744, Elizabeth 1746. 

Dea. Joseph married Elizabeth White 1732, children, Eliza- 
beth born 1733, (second wife of Eli Curtis, sen. 1777), Joshua 
1735, Caleb 1738, Joseph 1743, Rebecca 1746, Miranda 1749, 
(Rebecca was wife of Constant Clap). 

Benjamin (son of Joseph, sen.) married Ruth Litchfield 
1735, children, Jerusha born 1736, (wife of Capt. John Clap 
1752), Martha 1738, Benjamin 1747, (who hved at Merritt's 
brook), Nathaniel Tilden was also of this family, who probably 
died early: also Mary, (wife of Rev. Paul Litchfield 1778), 
also Roland, who removed westward, and Ruth, (wife of Lem- 
uel Dwelley). 

Ebenezer (son of Joseph, sen.) married Mary White 1736, 
children, Ebenezer born 1740, Paul 1743, who married Ann 
Holmes of Kingston 1769 — his son Paul now inherits the 
paternal estate at Farm neck. 

Seth (son of Joseph, sen.) married Rachel Cudworth 1744. 
He died early, and his widow married Joseph Briggs 1750. 

Caleb (son of Joseph, sen.) married Philippa Peaks, children, 
Lydiaborn 1762, Ebenezer 1764, Martha 1766, Caleb 1768, 
Joseph 1771, Israel 1773. Caleb now lives in Scituate. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 215 

Mams (son of Joseph, sen.) married Sarah , children, 

Seth born 1747, Capt. Adams 1748, Joseph 1749. Capt. 
Adams was the late master of the Marine Hospital, whose son 
Adams resides in Boston, born 1780. 

Joshua (son of Dea. Joseph) married Abigail Clap 1756, 
his son Ebenezer was Town clerk several years — and Eben- 
ezer the son of the latter is the present Town clerk. 

Joseph (son of Dea. Joseph) graduated at Harvard College 
1765, and removed to Chesterfield, where his posterity may 
now reside. 

TVilKam (son of John, sen.) married Judith Booth 1714 — 
his children were Wilham, (who married Elizabeth Nichols of 
Hingham, 1736, and left one son Wilham), Job, who died 
single, Amasa, who married Elizabeth Bourn 1748, and whose 
children were Amasa, Abner, (whose son Abner, jr. removed 
eastward), Job, Judith, (wife of Hayward Pierce, Esq.), and 
Abigail, (wife of Caleb Pierce). Judith, (daughter of William, 
sen.), married Issachar Vinal 1750, and Susanna married 
Thomas Curtis 1759. The late Roland (of Booth hill) was 
son of Abner, jr., also Mary (daughter of William, sen.) married 
Nathaniel Turner 1748, and was the mother of Elijah Turner, 
Esq., Job and Nathaniel. 

The families of Bailey at Hanover, are probably all de- 
scended from Jacob, (son of John, jr.), who married Ruth 
Palmer 1716. 



BENJAMIN BALCH 

came from Boston. He married Nazareth, the daughter of 
Judge John Cushing, and resided in Scituate several years, 
near the north Meeting-house, fifty rods south. His daughter 
Deborah born 1727, his son Hart 1731. He removed to 
Boston, where he had other children born, one of whom was 
Nathaniel, of facetious memory. This family probably de- 
scended from John Balch, an early settler in Salem. 



ABRAHAM BARDIN 

was from Scotland. He married Mary Booth in Scituate, 
1697. His son conducted Iron works at Hanover for many 
years. 



216 FAMILY SKETCHES. 



JOHN BARKER, Esq. 

was the son of John Barker of Duxbvuy, and Anna, the daugh- 
ter of John WilHams, sen. of Scituate, (married 1632), John 
Barker, sen. was at Jones's river (now Kingston) 1638. He 
was drowned 1652.* 

John Barker, jr. was a Serjeant in Philip's war, and freed 
from bearing arms at the close of that war, " on account of 
wounds received." He was afterward a Justice of the Peace, 
and is mentioned as a lawyer in the Colony records in 1674. 
His brother-in-law, Capt. John Williams, having no children, 
gave his farm in Scituate, 1694, to Williams Barker, his grand 
nephew, son of John, Esq. This is the well known Barker 
farm north of the Harbour. It is now owned by Benjamin 
Barker, descendant of Robert Barker, (we believe) a brother 
of the first John Barker, by purchase of Capt. Williams Barker, 
the last of John Barker's family in Scituate. 

John Barker, Esq. lost his first wife Desire, 1705, and 
married Hannah Cushing, (the widow of Rev. Jeremiah), 1706. 

Samuel, Esq. born 1684, the only son of Williams of which 
we have any knowledge, married Hannah, the daughter of 
Rev. Jeremiah Cushing, 1706, and succeeded to the family 
residence. His sons were Samuel, Ignatius and Ezekiel, born 
from 1707 to 1714, and daughters Hannah and Deborah. 

Capt. Samuel, son of the above, succeeded to the family 
residence. He married Deborah Gorham of Barnstable. His 
sons were Capt. Williams, Dr. Jeremiah, and Dr. Samuel, born 
from 1744 to 1762. This family is extinct in this Town ; Capt. 
Williams removed to Wiscasset, Dr. Jeremiah to Portland, 
and Dr. Samuel is living in Hanson. 

We will add that Robert, the son of Robert Barker, lived in 
Scituate in 1698, where his son Isaac was born March 10, 
1698-9, and who settled in Pembroke, and was the grandfather 
of the present owner of the Barker farm named above. 

There was another family of this name in Scituate distinct 
from the above, viz. Barnabas Barker, who married Hannah 
Turner in 1719. His house at Beach woods near Johnson's 
swamp was burnt 1739, and the Town voted to exempt him 
from taxes that year. His sons were Barnabas and Thomas. 



* He had purchased the ferry (now Little's Bridge) of John Brewster, son 
of Elder Brewster, 1641, and was there drowned. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 217 

Barnabas was an active man in the Revolutionary war. He 
resided near Halifax hill, and was succeeded in his residence 
by Ignatius Otis. His wife, Sarah Green 1750, and a first 
wife Mary Neal 1740. His son Joshua lived in Boston : he 
married Mary Copeland, and has posterity in Hanover. 



WILLIAM BARRELL 

appears in Scituate in 1676. He was the son of William 
Barrell, who died in rather early life in Boston in 1639, and 
who with his brothers George and John settled in Boston and 
Charlestown 1636. William of Scituate married Lydia, the 
widow of John James 1680, and resided at her residence near 
"the block-house." His children were William born 1683, 
Lydia 1684, Mary 1686, James 1687. 

We trace the descendants of two only of these in Scituate. 

William married Elizabeth Bailey 1706. His children were 
Hannah born 1706, Lydia 1709, (the wife of Joseph Young 
1726), William born 1714, James 1727, Elisha 1735, and 
Colburn. 

Lydia (daughter of William, sen.) married Samuel Stock- 
bridge in 1703, who resided on mount Blue in Scituate. 

The family of William, jr. have been remarkable for lon- 
gevity. 

William (we believe) lived to advanced age in Bridgewater. 

James, had been a soldier and a laborious man, but by the 
strength of his constitution and temperance, he retained suffi- 
cient vigour to perform the labour of an ordinary man at ninety, 
and to walk three miles to Church at ninety-six. He died 
April 17, 1827, having nearly completed a century. His sons 
were James, William, Noah and Bartlett. 

Elisha (son of William, jr.) completed his ninety-fourth year, 
and died 1829. 

The descendants of William Barrell are in Scituate, Hanover, 
Bridgewater ; in the State of Maine, and also near Albany in 
New York. 

Colburn was also a man of extraordinary strength and activ- 
ity. He died, we beheve, about the close of the American 
war, in which he was a soldier, as also in the French war. 

28 



218 FAMILY SKETCHES. 



WILIJAM BARSTOW 

was a brother of Michael Barstow, a representative of Water- 
town 1653. He settled for a time at Declham, where Joseph 
his son was bom, and pro])ably John also. He was a freeman 
in Scituate in 1649. His house was about one hundred rods 
north-west of Hanover corners, on the east side of the Plymouth 
road. He built "Barstow's bridge," 1656, (see Bridges). 

Beside the children above named, there were born to him in 
Scituate, Deborah 1650, WiUiam 1652, Martha 1655. There 
was also a son Jeremiah, born probably at Dedham. 

William Barstow died 1668, and Anna his widow adminis- 
tered. His descendants are many in Hanover, Rochester, 
Fairhaven and Salem. 

Joseph, his son, lived in a house thirty rods north-east of 
Hanover corners. It was a garrison in Philip's war. He 
married Susanna Lincoln of Hingham, 1666. His children, 
Susanna born 1667, Joseph 1675, Benjamin 1679, Deborah 
1681, Samuel 1683. He died 1712. 

Johi was a householder in Scituate 1678. A considerable 
tract of land was laid out to him west of the south Meeting- 
house common, cxtendhig to Jordan lane. His house was fifty 
rods south of the present road, and was afterward the house of 
John Ruggles, on the land now owned by Pickles Gushing. 

He married Lydia Hatch 1678, daughter of William Hatch, 
who removed to Swanzey. His children were Job born 1679, 
Jeremiah 1682, John 1684, and several daughters. 

Jeremiah was killed by tlie Indians with Capt. Pierce at 
Rehoboth, 1676. His widow Lydia was married to Richard 
Standlake of Scituate, 1677. We observe in the Colony 
records, that John administered on his brother's estate : also 
that "Lydia, the wife of Richard Standlake, was appointed 
(1677) guardian to her two sons, John and Jeremiah Barstow, 
and to recover a legacy to each of them from ]Michael Barstow, 
their great uncle, late of Watertown deceased, for their use 
when twenty-one years of age."* 

We believe most of the peo])le of the name of Barstow may 
thus trace their descent from William. Those at Hanover 
descended from his son Joseph. WiUiam, jr. succeeded to his 
father's residence, and to him succeeded Benjamin his son, 
born 1690. Deacon Samuel of Hanover is son of Samuel, 
and grandson of Joseph. 

* The younger of the sons, Jeremiali, had been a captive amongst the Indians. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 219 



GEORGE BAR STOW 



was also a brother of William, sen. and Michael. He was a 
member of the artillery company in Boston, 1G44. In 1652, 
he was a householder in Scituate, and a member of the second 
Church. He had here one son, George, born 1653. The 
same year he removed to Cambridge, and deceased immedi- 
ately after. We notice the following entry in the Plymouth 
Colony records, 1653: "A suite was commenced against 
William Barstow by Mr Charles Chauncy, (afterward Presi- 
dent), for saying that he (Mr Chauncy) was the cause of the 
death of his brother George Barstow, late deceased : and for 
saying that the s' Mr Chauncy sent his bulls abroad to the 
Church at Cambridge, whereby the s' George Barstow was 
hindered from communion with s' Church, which hastened his 
death through griefe." The court ordered William Barstow to 
retract. The explanation of this is, that George Barstow was 
a member of the second Church in Scituate, with which Mr 
Chauncy was at variance. 



JAMES BATES 

was in Scituate 1642. We believe he was a son of James 
Bates of Dorchester. His name appears also in Hingham. 
He married Ruth Lyford 1643. His son John was born here 
1649. The family returned to Hingham. But the grandson 
of John, whose name was John, resided in Scituate in 1733. 
He married Abigail Bailey 1733. His sons were Reuben born 
February 4, 1735, Simeon 1737, Levi 1738, Judah 1740, 
John 1746, Caleb 1749, and daughter Aquilla born 1743. Reu- 
ben is now living at Scituate Harbour. His son Simeon is keeper 
of the light-house. He has sons Simeon, Joseph and others. 

There was a Joseph Bates in Scituate in 1695, whose sons 
were Joseph, Solomon, Amos and Clement, born from 1696 
to 1710. From this family we understand Neal Bates to have 
descended, now living. They descended from Clement Bates, 
who was in Weymouth 1633. The descendants of this family 
are in Hanover, viz. the late Col. Bates, and Benjamin of 
Scituate, concerned in the Plymouth stages. The late Gen. 
Benjamin Bates of Mansfield was a descendant of Clement. 



220 FAMILY SKETCHES. 



JOSEPH BATTLES, from Hingham, 

was the first of the name in Scituate. He married Susanna 
Studley 1738. Joseph, his son, married Rebecca Burbank 
1759. He has descendants living at Hoop-pole neck. Robert 
Battles of Boston, 1658, was the common ancestor of this 
family. There was David Battles of Leominster, 1796, of the 
Scituate family, we believe. 

JOHN BEAL, 

of Scituate Harbour, a gentleman of great enterprise in the 
fisheries, is son of John of Cohasset, and Catharine Kimball, 
his wife. He married Jane, daughter of Ensign Otis, sen. and 
has a family. He is descended from John Beal, an early 
settler in Hingham, a representative 1649. 

JOSEPH BENSON 

was the son of Joseph Benson of Hull. He settled in Scituate 
in 1743. His farm was on the south of Hoop-pole hill, near 
Margaret's brook, where his descendants now reside. He 
married Abiel Stockbridge 1743. Joseph, his son, born 1744, 
was his only child, he having deceased 1745. His widow 
married John Bryant. 

Joseph married Susanna, the daughter of Nathaniel Clap, 
Esq. 1770. He was a useful and worthy man, often employed 
in the business of the Town, and clerk of the second parish for 
many years. His sons John and Joseph are deceased. Ste- 
phen and Artemas are living in Scituate, and Gorham in 
Charleston, South Carolina. Joseph of Hull, above named, 
was a son of John of Hull : His first wife was Prince, his second 
Mary Curtis of Scituate, 1727, and his third Alice Pickels 
1739. He died in Scituate. 



Mr THOMAS BESBEDGE, (now Bisbee or Bisby), 

was in Scituate in 1634, and a freeman in 1637. He was a 
Deacon in the first Church at its first institution. We have 
found few notices of him : he probably deceased early. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 221 

Elisha Bisby, whom we suppose to have been his son, kepi 
the first ferry where Union Bridge now stands, in 1644. His 
house stood near the bridge on the west side of the river, and 
the south side of the way. His son Elisha kept a tavern at the 
same place for many years. His children were Hopestill born 
1645, John 1647, Mary 1648, Elisha 1654, Hannah 1656, 
(wife of Thomas Brooks 1687), baptized in the second Church. 
Martha was also probably his daughter, who married Jonathan 
Turner 1677. Elisha, the son of Elisha Bisby, died in Hing- 
ham 1715. The descendants of Mr Thomas Besbedge are 
now at Plympton, and write the name Bisby. 



THOMAS BIRD 

was one of the earliest settlers of Scituate. He cultivated land 
on the third clifF, before 1628, and (tradition says) in 1623. 
There is a deed in the Colony records dated 1628, by which 
Henry Merritt conveys to Nathaniel Tilden, "planting land 
which he had of Thomas Bird." His name is amongst the 
first freemen in 1633. There is no record of his family. He 
or his son Thomas was in that part of the Town called the 
Two mile, 1649, when he had a law suit with George Russell, 
(Colony Records). A widow Bird (no doubt of Thomas) had 
a part in division of common lands in Scituate 1673. There 
were several early settlers of the name of Bird in Dorchester 
and other parts of Massachusetts. 



HUDSON BISHOP, from Duxbury. 

The first of the name in this place in 1711. There are few 
records of the family. 



WILLIAM BLACKMORE 

came from England 1665. He was a nephew of Peter CoUa- 
more, and (as tradition relates) came with an expectation of 
being his heir, (see Collamore). A farm was laid out to him 
by the freemen, (in part), where the late Capt. Elijah Curtis 
resided. His house occupied nearly the same place, a few 
rods east. He married Elizabeth Bankes 1666. His children 
were Peter born 1667, John 1669, Phebe 1672, William 1675. 



222 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

In 16G9, he was freed from military duty, "for the loss of au 
eye." He however lost his life in repelling the Indians in 
167G, April 21. His widow married Jacob Bumpus 1677. 

Peter died 1692, leaving two children, Joseph and Jane. 

Phebe married Ebenezer Holmes. 

WiUmm died without children 1698. In his will, he gives 
legacies to "brother John — sister Phebe Holmes — brother 
Peter's two children Joseph and Jane, and brother in-law 
Ebenezer Holmes." 



Mr CHRISTOPHER BLACKWOOD 

purchased the farm that had been that of Rev. John Lothrop, 
east of Colman's hills, in 1641, of Mr Hatherly. He was 
employed for a short time as a preacher. But in 1642, he 
sold his farm to Mr Chauncy, whom the Church had chosen 
for their pastor, and retired. He probably returned to England, 
as we find no further trace of him. 



JOHN BLOSSOM 

was in Scituate 1728, where his son Thomas was born the 
same year. He probably returned to Barnstable, from whence 
we believe he came. He was a descendant of Dea. Thomas 
Blossom, who died in Plymouth 1633. (Colony Records). 



JOHN BOOTH 

was in Scituate as early as 1656. He purchased lands in the 
Conihassett proprietary, and settled near the hill which now 
bears his name. His house was where that of Rowland Bailey 
now stands. He had several sons, Joseph born 1659, John 
born 1661, Benjamin 1667, Abraham 1673, and four daughters, 
Elizabeth, Mary, Grace and Judhh. 

Joseph, the eldest son, lived in Pennsylvania in 1710. 

John married Mary, the daughter of Anthony Dodson 1687, 
and had a son Anthony born 1689. 

Mary married Abraham Barden. 

Rev. Chauncy Booth of Coventry, Connecticut, may be a 
descendant of this family. The name has here been extinct 
for more than half a century. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 223 



HENRY BOURN 



was a freeman in Scituate 1637, but not an householder that 
we can learn. He removed to Barnstable 1639. His de- 
scendants may be there and in Rhode Island. He was brother 
of Richard Bourn, the first preacher to the Marshpee Indians. 
John of Marshfield may have been his son, whose children 
were Elizabeth born 1646, Thomas 1647, Alice 1649, Anna 
1651, Martha 1653, Sarah 1663. Thomas had a son Thomas, 
whose daughter Hannah married William Wilson of Scituate. 



JAMES BOWKER, (from Sweden) 

was in Scituate 1680. His farm was laid out on the east of 
Burnt plain and west of Samuel Bryant's land. His house was 
near the corner of the field, a few rods west of the house of his 
late grandson Edmund Bowker. His wife was Mary. His 
children James, Mary and Lazarus, the two last being baptized 
in the second Church 1686: also Richard, Edmund and 
Benjamin. 

James succeeded to his father's residence. He married 
Hannah Lambert 1717. His children were five sons and seven 
daughters. Four of the sons settled near the original farm, viz. 
Lazarus, James, John and Edmund. Joseph removed to 
Maine. This family has been remarkable for longevity. Ed- 
mund born August 20, 1732, reached his ninety-fourth year. 
Lazarus, son of Lazarus, is now in active life at the age of 
eighty-eight. 

Benj. has left descendants here, viz. Major Joshua and others. 

Richard lived in Pembroke, and left sons. 



WILLIAM BROOKS 

was a householder in 1644. His farm was south of Till's 
creek, latterly called Dwelley's creek, and his house near that 
of Capt. William Brooks, his descendant of the sixth generation. 
The spot seems to have been selected on account of the sweet 
spring of water near it. His wife was widow Susanna Dunham 
of Plymouth. His children were Hannah born 1645, Nathan- 
iel 1646, (who married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Curtis, 
1678, and succeeded to his father's residence), Mary born 1647, 



224 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



Sarah bom 1650, (who married Joseph Studley), Meriam born 
1652, (who married John Curtis, son of Richard Curtis), 
Deborah born 1654, (who married Robert Stetson, jr. son of 
the Cornet), Thomas born 1657, who married Hannah Bisby 

1687, and Joanna born 1659. 

The people of this name in Scituate have all descended from 
JVatJumiel. His sons were William, Gilbert and Nathaniel. 
William's posterity remain on the ancient seat of the family.* 
Gilbert had a son William, born 1714, (who removed or died 
early), Gilbert 1718, and Benjamin 1720. Nath'l, 2d. married 
Mary Taylor 1717, and purchased lands of Michael Wanton, a 
half mile west of Hoop-pole hill, where the fifth Nathaniel 
Brooks now resides. His children are of the seventh generation. 
Nathaniel, 3d. married Elizabeth Benson 1744, Nathaniel, 4th. 
married Deborah Brooks 1783, and Nathaniel, 5th. married 
Charlotte Lapham 1821.f 

Thomas, the son of William, sen. had one son Thomas, born 

1688, and a daughter Joanna born 1695. Thomas had no 
family. Joanna married John Ruggles, who succeeded to the 
farm of Thomas Brooks. It lies a half mile east of the resi- 
dence of William above described. It was the farm of William 
Richards 1640. 

GILBERT BROOKS 

was a brother of William Brooks, sen. and came into Scituate 
at the same time. His residence was on the south of Colman's 
hills. He sold his house to Robert Grossman of Taunton, 
1652. It was afterward the residence of Joseph Otis, Esq. 
The earliest notice which we have seen of him, is, that he was 
in the family of Mr William Vassall 1638. He married Eliz- 
abeth, the daughter of Gov. Edward Winslow. He had sons 



* The late Capt. William, who deceased 1821, on the paternal spot, was 
his grandson, (and son of William, who married Mary Braman 1737). His 
children are Capt. William, who lives on the paternal farm, Sarah, (wife of 
Dea. Loring of Duxbury), Philenda, (wife of Capt. Luther Tiiden), Temper- 
ance, (wife of Capt. Reuben Drew of Duxbury), Betsey, (second wife of 
Capt. Jotham Tiiden), Gilbert of Medford, Lucy, Seth and Nathan of 
Duxbury. Their mother Betsy Stodder. 

t Nathaniel, 2d. had also a son Taylor, who married Miriam Curtis 1740. 
Capt. Noah was his son, born 1744, and died at sea. His son is Capt. Noah 
of South Boston, and his daughters the wives of William Bradford of Kings- 
ton, Samuel Kent, late of Scituate, and Hon. John Holmes of Maine. 

Gilbert (son of Gilbert) was father of late Samuel of Hanover, born 1742. 

Nathaniel, 2d. had sons Noah, Michael, Simeon and Stephen, who died 
early or removed, born from 1723 to 1737. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 225 

Gilbert and John, probably born in Marshfield. His children 
born in Scituate were Elizabeth, born 1645, Sarah 1G46, Mary 
1649, Rachel 1650, Bathsheba 1655, Rebecca 1657, Hannah 
1659, all baptized in the second Church. 

In 1675, he kept a garrison at Gov. Josiah Winslow's house 
in Marshfield. We observe that John, son of Gilbert Brooks, 
had a legacy in the will of his uncle. Gov. Josiah Winslow. 

Gilbert was in Rehoboth 1683, and one of a committee "to 
treat with the Rev. Samuel Angier, concerning his settlement 
in the ministry there." (Colony Records). 



WALTER BRIGGS 

appears in Scituate 1651, when he purchased a farm of Mr 
Hatherly, on the north side of Farm neck. The cove within 
the glades still bears the name of Briggs's harbour. He was 
long an useful man in the plantation. 

His will dated 1684, gives 

"To my wife Frances one third of my estate during her life, 
also a gentle horse or mare, and Jemmy the Negur shall catch 
it for her. To son John my homestead, bounded south-west 
by Mr John Saffin's farm. To son James the easterly side of 
my farm (bounds named). To daughter Hannah Winslow 
(certain moveables). To son Cornelius one freeman's share in 
the Town of Swanzey, and 30£. Son John Ex." 

Capt. John married and left on record Han- 

nah born 1684, Deborah 1685, John 1687. Hannah married 
John Alden of Duxbury, 1709: their son John Alden was 
baptized in Scituate second Church, December 10, 1710, and 
Samuel, May 17, 1713. The venerable Judah Alden, Esq. of 
Duxbury is a descendant, being the son of Briggs Alden, 
another son of John. Deborah, we believe, married Dea. 
Thomas King 1705. Capt. John, jr. married Deborah, the 
daughter of Hon. John Cushing, sen. 1712. Their daughter 
Deborah born 1713, John 1714. Deborah, last named, mar- 
ried Thomas Savage, Esq. of Boston, (see John Cushing). 
The family of Capt. John Briggs removed or became extinct 
probably. 

Lieut. James married Rebecca, daughter of Dea. Joseph 
Tilden, 1678. His children were Joseph born 1678, Mary 
1682, James 1687, Benjamin 1695, (and perhaps others). 

Joseph married Deborah Holbrook 1703, and had children, 
Cornelius 1705, (who married Lydia Stodder 1741, and prob- 
29 



226 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



ably removed), Mary 1707, John 1709, Joseph 1714, Thankful, 
Hannah and Ezra, (who married Lydia Neal 1764). James 
(above) married Hannah Bailey 1706, and left no family on 
record. Benjamin married Leah Merritt 1719, and left daugh- 
ters Leah, Deborah, Rachel, and sons Capt. Benjamin born 
1722, and James born November 16, 1735. Capt. Benjamin 
married Rebecca Curtis 1758, and was the father of Capt. Ben- 
jamin now living, whose children are James of Watertown, 
Billings of Boston, Paul of Scituate, and daughters : and James, 
the veteran Town clerk, married Rhoda Nash 1763, and had 
sons Shadrach, Bardett, Joseph, George and daughters. James 
Briggs is living, aged ninety-six. 

Cornelius married the widow of Samuel Russell 1677, (she 
was daughter of James Doughty, and granddaughter of Hum- 
phry Turner). He was an Ensign in Philip's war, with his 
two brothers who were his superior officers. He had sons 
Cornelius 1678, Joseph 1679, James 1683. Cornelius married 
Ruth Barker, and removed, we believe, to Swansey. Joseph 
married Mary Garrett 1709, and left daughters, Mary born 
171], Hannah, the wife of Dea. Joseph Clap 1732, Judith, 
Tthe wife of Wm. Collier 1748), and no son we believe. James 
(son of Cornelius, sen.) has a numerous posterity. He married 
Elizabeth Garrett 1713, by whom he had one daughter. 
Elizabeth 1715. His second wife was Hannah Stowell 1716, 
and her children were John born 1718, James 1719, Seth 1721, 
Job 1722, Elisha 1723, Hannah 1724, Cornelius 1728, and 
William 1731. Of these John married Abigail Neal 1751, 
and left children, John, Abigail, Anna, Joshua, Sabera, Rebecca, 
Elisha, (now living), Lydia, (widow of Elisha Turner) and 
Deborah, born from 1751 to 1767. 

James married Hannah Barker 1745, and had children, 
Hannah, Sarah, Lucy, James, and Thomas Barker, (who 
married Lucy, daughter of Dr. James Otis, and left children, 
Thomas, Gushing Otis, Henry, Deborah and Charles). 

Seth married Abigail Church 1745, and was the father of 
Elisha, and Alden, Esq. of Pembroke, and the late Thomas 
of Milton. 

Cornelius married Jerusha Church 1753, and had children, 
Mary, Cornelius, Samuel, Joseph, Charles, from 1753 to 1768. 

William married Elizabeth Copeland 1754, and had children, 
Rachel, Ruth, William, Elijah, Lemuel, Elizabeth, John, 
Charles, Cornelius, Hulda, (wife of Major Pratt of Scituate), 
born from 1754 to 1780: most of whom are living in Scituate, 
Milton and Salem. 

Though the descendants of Walter Briggs are numerous, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 227 

there are some of the name in the Old Colony who descended 
from Clement Briggs, an early settler m Weymouth. His son 
Thomas born 1633, we think, settled in Tamiton soon after 
1650; from him probably descended the people of this name 
at Taunton, Norto)i, and Mansfield : also the Rev. Ephraim 
Briggs, late of Halifnx, (son of Dea. Briggs of Mansfield) who 
left sons Ephraim, William, Isaac, Richard and Charles in the 
ministry, and John a physician at Dedham. 

Cornelius Briggs, dias Wade, (a son of Sarah Wade, daugh- 
ter of Thomas Wade), and Jane his wife, removed to Maine 
before 1750. They had children born in Scituate, John 1737, 
Jane 1739, Reuben 1741, Sarah 1742. 



JOHN BRYANT, house carpenter, 

was a freeman in Scituate 1639. His farm was on the second 
Herring brook, ten rods east of the mill, an ancient orchard 
now marks the place. His son John built the first saw mill on 
that brook, 1690, and shortly after a grist mill. 

John, sen. was an active and useful man, always employed 
in division of lands and other publick concerns. He married 
Mary, the daughter of George Lewis, (then of Barnstable), 1643. 
His children, John born 1644, Hannah 1645,* Joseph 1645, 
died early, Sarah 1648, Mary 1649, Martha 1651, Samuel 
1653. In 1657, he married a second wife, Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Rev. William Witherell, who died early. In 1664, he 
married Mary, daughter of Thomas Hiland, by whom he had 
another family often children, viz. Elizabeth born 1665, Ben- 
jamin 1669, Joseph 1671, Jabez 1672, Ruth 1673, Thomas 
1675, Deborah 1677, Agatha 167S, Ann 1680, Elisha 1682. 

Lieut. John, jr. had children, John, 3d. born 1677, Jonathan 
1679, Mary 1682, David 1684, Joshua 1687, Samuel 1689, 
Martha 1691. This branch of the family possessed a large 
tract of land, extending from Spring brook to James Bowker's, 
on which the sons settled. Joshua setUed near the place where 
his decendant Snow Bryant lives. Samuel near him on the 
west, David on the east, Jonathan on the south, and John on 
third Herring brook at Cornet's dam. 

Joseph, son of John, sen. setded on the east of White-oak pl?in, 
by the brook. He was the uncle of Peleg Bryant, the last of the 
name who Hved on that place, Peleg was son of Thomas, Esq. 

* Wife of Jo!in Stodder of Hingluim, 16C5. 



228 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Benjamin, son of John, sen., lived at Spring brook, near the 
place now occupied by Rev. Mr Jevvett. His family removed 
to Chesterfield. 

Thomas, Esq., son of John, sen., succeeded to his father's 
farm, and built the house now occupied by the heirs of Dea. 
Thomas Gushing. It was built in 1698. He was an able and 
useful man as a magistrate, but tradition speaks of some singu- 
larities. He was the father of Rev. Lemuel Bryant of Quincy> 
a man of extraordinary powers and singularities, who died 1754, 
and was buried at Scituate. 

Samuel, son of John, sen., died in Phips's expedition to 
Canada, 1690. 

John Bryant, sen. gives in his will, (date 1684), 
"To sons Samuel and Daniel my lot of land near Barstow's 
tree at grass pond, (now Old pond). To Benjamin 20s when 
21, in trust of his grandfather Hiland. To Joseph and Thomas 
the house where I live : also to Joseph a lot at white-oak plain. 
To daughter Mary a bed. To Ruth a bed when 18. To 
Deborah, Agatha and Ann each 5£ at 18. To youngest 
child Elisha 10£ at 21. To son John 10s. To daughters 
Hannah, Sarah and Martha 20s each. To wife Mary all other 
property not named in this will." 

SAMUEL BROWN 

married Hannah Nash 1731. Jonathan Brown was also in 
Scituate 1740, he had a son Abner born 1741. There was a 
Hannah Brown, a member of the first Church 1746. There 
are descendants of this family in Town, but we find no record 
of the early generations. 

JEREMIAH BURROUGHS 

was in Scituate 1647, but not a freeman here. He had a 
house on " Bell house neck," probably the house in which 
Resolved White had lived.* His son Jeremiah had an as- 
signment of common lands in Scituate, in the last division of 
1699. And Jeremiah, son of the latter, married Hannah, 
daughter of Henry Ewell (of the second generation) in 1710; 
he is then called of Marshfield. 



^ He had eliililren Jeremiah born IGol, John 1C53, Elizabotli 1G55, Mary 
1657, baptized in second Churcli. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 229 



HENRY BURDITT 



married Lydia, the daughter of Richard Dwelley 1712. Their 
children horn here were William 1713, and Elizabeth 1717, 
Thankful, Joshua, Francis, Ruth, and Deborah, who married 
Benjamin Healy 1759. Elizabeth married Peter Curtis 1747. 



Cornet JOHN BUCK 

appears in Scituate before 1650, and may have been the son 
of James Buck of Hingham. He was the first proprietor of 
Walnut tree hill, at least the west part of it, in 1(351, and his 
house was on the west side of that hill. He succeeded the 
veteran Robert Stetson as " Cornet of the Troopers," before 
Philip's war, in which war he was constantly in service, (see 
Indian wars). His children were Elizabeth born 1653, Mary 
1655, Joseph 1657, John 1659, Hannah 1661, Susanna 1664, 
Benjamin 1665, Deborah 1670, Robert 1672, Rachel 1674. 
Some of this family have descendants in Easton. 

John Buck's will dated 1697, gives legacies 
"To daughter Chandler — To Isaac Randall's children — 
to John Garrett's children — to all my grand children living at 
Yarmouth and Sandwich." His wife was Elizabeth, daughter 
of Samuel Holbrook of Weymouth. 



Lieut. ISAAC BUCK, Blacksmith, 

was a brother of John, and was in Scituate before 1647. He 
purchased the house of Jeremiah Burroughs, which had been 
that of Resolved White at Belle house neck. In 1660, he built 
a house near the Harbour, on the Buck field, so called even now. 
The house of Anthony Waterman, lately deceased, occupies 
the spot. He was a very useful man, often engaged in pnblick 
business, and the Clerk of the Town for many years. He was 
a Lieut, in Philip's war, and repulsed the Indians with great 
bravery from Scituate in March 1676. He died intestate 1695. 

Commissioners divided his estate as follows : 

"To Frances the widow the house in which she now lives. 

To Thomas, the land where his house stands. 

To the heirs of the second son James, &ic. 



230 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

To Joseph — to Jonathan and Benjamin, (sons of Lieut. B.) 

To Elizabeth, wife of Robert Whitcomb. 

To Mehitabel, wife of Stephen Chittenden. 

To Ruth, wife of Joseph Garrett, and Deborah wife of 
Henry Merritt." 

Beside these children there is a son Isaac amongst the baptisms : 
but he may have died early. A son John is also incidentally 
mentioned in other records. He left a son Dea. Isaac, who 
was the last of the name in Scituate. He lived at the north- 
east of Hoop-pole hill, thirty rods south of late Judge Nathan 
Cushing's residence. He deceased more than seventy-five 
years since. 



JACOB BUMPUS, (originally Bonpasse), 

lived north of Dead swamp 1676. He married Elizabeth, 
widow of William Blackmore 1677. Children, Benjamin born 
1678, Jacob 1680. There was also John Bumpus, whose 
children were Mary born 1671, John 1673, Samuel 1676, 
James 1678. This family went to IMiddleboro and Rochester. 
They descended from Edward Bonpasse of Plymouth, 1633: 
He was of Marshfield 1 640, when his son John was born : 
Jacob was born 1644, and we believe there were other children. 



JONATHAN BADCOCKE 

married Mary, the daughter of Richard Curtis 1677, and had 
children baptized in the second Church, Jonathan 1678, Mercy 
1679, Caleb 1680, Mary 1681. 



OLIVER CALLOWAY, (or Callow), 

(a very rare name) received grants of land in Scituate in 1647. 
He left no family here. Capt. Israel Chittenden succeeded to 
his right in common lands. 



WILLIAM CARLISLE 

came from Mai'blehead 1750. He married Elizabeth Davis 
1755. He was a soldier in the French war. He had a son 
William who removed. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 231 



EDWARD CASELY 

was in Scituate 1638, removed to Barnstable 1639. 

NATHANIEL CHAMBERLAIN, 

probably from Hull, received grants of land 1693, on the east 
of Dead swamp. Chamberlain plain is the well known name 
of those lands. His children were Freedom born 1697, 
Eunice 1698, Joseph 1699. Some of this family were Qua- 
kers and went to Rhode Island. 

THOMAS CHAMBERS 

was in Scituate 1640. His house lot was on the top of the 
hill, opposite to the Meeting-house of the second Society. It 
was afterward the place of William Holmes, and more recently 
of the Wilson family. He had a share in Conihassett lands 
1646, which he sold to Gen. Cudworth 1653. He disappears 
from our records after 1658. We believe he removed to 
Charlestown. 

BENJAMIN CHANDLER 

was probably son of Edmund Chandler of Duxbury, (and who 
also was in Scituate 1650, when he sold his lands to Thomas 
Bird). Benjamin had a farm on the west of Brushy hill, near 
Nicholas Wade's. His wife was daughter of Cornet John 
Buck, His children born here were Benjamin born 1672, 
Martha 1673, Samuel 1674, John 1675, Mary 1678. 

JOSEPH CHECKETT 

had a farm on the east of Colman's hills, adjoining that of Rev. 
John Lothrop 1638. He probably went to Barnstable, as he 
disappears from our records 1640. 



232 FAMILY SKETCHES. 



ISAAC CHITTENDEN 



was one of the men of Kent. His house lot assigned in 1633, 
was on Kent street. He bore arms 1643. He came with his 
fatlier Thomas Chittenden, who was one of the Conihassett 
partners in 1646. Thomas deceased in 1669, leaving legacies 
to his sons Isaac and Henry, and to Benjamin, son of Isaac* 

Isaac, jr. married INIartha, (daughter of widow Anna Vinall), 
1646. His children, Sarah and Rebecca born 1646, Mary 
1648, Israel 1651, Stephen 1654, Elizabeth 1658, Isaac 1663. 
Isaac, jr. was an active and useful man, often a deputy to 
Court. He fell in repulsing the Indians from the Town 1676. 

Benjamin, son of Isaac, sen. fell with Capt. Pierce in the 
battle of Rehoboth, 1676, and left no family. 

Sarah, daughter of Isaac, sen., married Capt. Anthony 
Collamore 1666. 

Israel, son of Isaac, jr., married Deborah, daughter of Rev. 
Nicholas Baker 1678. His sons were Nicholas born 1678, Isaac 
1681, and Israel 1690. 

Stephen, son of Isaac, jr., married Mehitabel Buck 1679. 
His son Thomas born 1683. 

Thomas, son of Stephen, married Elizabeth Woodworth 
1707, his sons Thomas born 1718, Stc)>hen 1722. 

Israel, son of Israel, married IMary Pickels 1713, (and after- 
ward the widow of Benjamin Turner and mother of Capt. 
Elisha Turner). His sons were Israel born 1715, Isaac 1719, 
Nicholas 1721, Nathaniel 1724. 

Isaac, son of Israel above, had a son Calvin 1746, and 
removed to IMalden. 

JYathanicI, son of Israel, had a son Nathaniel born 1751, and 
Isaac 1753, who removed to Princeton. Nathaniel last named 
lived at the mouth of the second Herring brook, and married 
Ruth Foster, (now the wife of Dea. Elisha James). 

Israel born 1715, (son of Israel), married Deborah Vinal 
1741. His son Israel married Abigail Turner 1763. He 
was the sixth generation, and the last that occupied the original 
house lot on Kent street. He sold to the family of Vinal m 
1800, and removed, we believe, to Charlestown. 

* Thomas's son Henry left a fimily, Joseph born 1050-7, also Susanna, 
Elizabeth and llntli, and Joseph liad a son Nathaniel born 1094, Ills grand- 
father Henry lived to a great age. He died 1713, leaving legacies to " gr. 
son Nathaniel my Conihassett hinds — to gr. daughters Mary Morton, Ruth 
Stetson and Alatlica Chittenden '20s each. Daii"hler Elizabeth Executrix." 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 233 



ANTHONY CHUBBUCK, 

a descendant of Thomas Chubbuck, an early settler in Hing- 
ham, resides near Scituate Harbour. He married Lucy, 
daughter of Ensign Otis, sen., and has a family. He was son 
of David Chubbuck, who deceased at Quincy. David had 
three other sons, Melzer, Martin and Thomas, who were lost 
at sea at one and the same time. 



NATHANIEL CHURCH 

was born in Plymouth or Duxbury, and the j'^oungest brother 
of Col. Benjamin the warrior. He was in Scituate 1GG6. 
His farm was laid out on the North river, south of Cornet 
Stetson's, including the laid hills. His house stood near the 
river, opposite nearly to Job's landing. His children, Abigail 
born 1666, Richard 1668, Nathaniel 1670, Alice 1679, Joseph 
1681, Charles 1683, Sarah 1686. 

Richard (whose wife was Mary of Scituate) had one 

son Richard, born 1697. 

Mithaniel had sons, Nathaniel born 1698, Joseph 1709, 
Caleb 1712. 

Joseph and Charles left no families here. Some of this 
family removed to Watertown, (tradition). 

JVathaniel (son of Nathaniel, jr.) married Jerusha Perry 1719, 
and left a family on record. Caleb married Sarah Williamson 
1735, and lived probably in Marshfield. 

Lemuel Church, who deceased on the paternal lands in 1829, 
was the son of Nathaniel and Jerusha Perry, (born 1742) and 
one of fifteen children. His son, Capt. Cornelius, is his suc- 
cessor. 

Thomas Church, (a Revolutionary soldier), who deceased 
1830, on a part of the same lands, was son of Tliomas, the 
eldest son of Nathaniel and Jerusha above named. 

We think proper to add, that since preparing these notes on 
the family of Church, we have had reason to doubt whether 
Nathaniel first named was brother of Col. Benjamin, though 
we had the opinion of the late Samuel Davis, Esq. to this effect. 
Richard Church, early of Hingham, had a son Nathaniel, as 
Hobart's journal testifies, and he may have been the Nathaniel 
of Scituate. Richard of Hingham was probably a brother of 
30 



234 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Joseph, (the l\ither of Col. Benjamin), at least there has been 
a tradition in the family here, that their first ancestor was his 
relative. 

Nathaniel of Scituate deceased 1700, intestate. His prop- 
erty was divided "to his widow Sarah — to the three children 
of his son Richard deceased — to Nathaniel — to the child of 
Joseph deceased — to Charles — and to daughters Abigail, 
Alice and Sarah." Plymouth Probate Records. 

Hobart's journal records that Richard Church, sen. died at 
Dedham, 1668. His will, however, is dated at Hingham that 
year, giving " all his estate to his wife Elizabeth during her life, 
and then to be divided equally to his children, (without naming 
them), save, to Joseph a double portion on account of the 
lameness of his hand." Massachusetts Probate Records. 



Mr THO.^IAS CLAP 

was born in Dorchester, England, 1597. He came to New 
England with the early settlers of Dorchester, where his 
brothers John, Richard and Ambrose tarried. Thomas pro- 
ceeded to Weymouth, where his first son Thomas was born 

1639. He had grants of land in Hingham, 1637, but never 
resided there. His farm in Weymouth was near the present 
residence of Hon. Christopher Webb. He came to Scituate 

1640. We find no record of his children born here, but we 
learn from incidental records, that he had Eleazer, Samuel, 
Elizabeth, Prudence, John born 1658, and Abigail born 1659. 
His farm in Scituate was on the south-west of Stockbridge's 
mill pond, and now owned by Calvin Jenkins, sen. He was 
a Deacon of the first Church 1647. He was an active, useful, 
and venerable man. 

His son Thomas lived at Dedham, and is the ancestor (we 
believe) of the Claps of Walpole. Eleazer lived at Barnstable, 
aud left no family. Elizabeth married Dea. Thomas King, 
(son of Elder King), 1669. John died early, as Abigail also. 

From Samuel descended the distinguished family of this 
name in this vicinity. He succeeded to his father's residence. 
He married Hannah, the daughter of Thomas Gill of Hingham, 
1666. His children were Samuel born 1667, Joseph 1668, 
Stephen 1670, Hannah 1673, Bethia 1675, John 1677, Abigail 
1679, David 1684, Deborah 1686, Jane 1689. 

Joseph had land at Black pond hill 1700, where his son 
Deacon Joseph settled, and Elijah, son of the latter, now 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 235 

resides.* Stephen settled on the west of White-oak plain 
1690. John lived near the residence of late Augustus, east of 
the mill pond. Some of David's sons, Noah and perhaps 
others, went to Norton. Galen of Scituate was his grandson, 
son of David, jr. 

Amongst the most distinguished of Samuel Clap's family, we 
may name Dea. Stephen, whose house above mentioned at 
White-oak plain is now standing: It was erected before 16SG, 
and in that year is called, in a survey of the road, " Samuel 
Clap's new house." Dea. Stephen occupied it 1G90. It is 
now owned by the fifth generation from Dea. Stephen. Of 
the children of the venerable Dea. Stephen, TAomos born 1703, 
and graduated at Harvard College 1722, was one of the most 
distinguished men of his time. He was ordained at Windham, 
Connecticut, 1726: chosen President of Yale College 1740, 
and continued in the chair until 1764, when he resigned, and 
on a visit at Scituate 1765, he deceased. 

President Stiles, his successor, speaks of him as standing^ in 
the first ranks of the learned men of the age. " He studied 
(says he) the higher branches of mathematicks, and was one of 
the first philosophers America has produced, and equalled by 
no man, except the most learned Professor Winthrop." 

As a theologian he is equally praised. As a President, most 
indefatigable and successful in promoting the interests of learn- 
ing, and raising the rank of his College. 

Re wrote many books, or rather pamphlets, in defence of 
the New England Churches in Whitefield's time, from 1734 to 
1755. That he was a powerful opponent to Whitefield, and 
did much to counteract his disorganizing measures, we may 
easily conceive, when, in looking over these pamphlets, we find 
him quoting Whitefield's own words, and declaring himself 
ready to testify as to the correctness of the quotation, viz. "I 
intend to turn the generality of the ministers of this country out 
of their pulpits, (who are half beasts and half devils), and bring 
over ministers from England." 

He wrote also a valuable history of Yale College, which we 
could wish to see reprinted. 

His brother Nathaniel, Esq. born 1709, was a respectable 
and useful citizen and magistrate. He married Desire Bourne 
of Barnstable, 1736. His son Sylvanus deceased in the 
ancient house of his grandfather 1811, whose son Stephen 

* Dea. Joseph married Hannah Briggs and Sarah Perkins— Elijah married 
Martha Turner. 



23G FAMILY SKETCHES. 

al'tervvard occupied the same mansion, and deceased 1825, 
leaving a family ; Nathaniel, the only surviving son of Syh^anus, 
is now living near Margaret's brook, on lands which the family 
have possessed from the year IGGO: the widow of Charles 
Lapham, the wife of Mr Hall of Chelsea, the wife of Job 
Loring of Hingham, and the wife of Isaac Totman of Boston, 
are daughters of Mr Sylvanus Clap. 

Col. John Clap, an ofhcer in the French war, and also in 
the Revolution, was the son of John, the eldest of Dea. 
Stephen's sons. John Clap now occupies the place of his 
father's (the Col's.) residence, near the second Herring brook, 
and Elijah the place of his grandfather John. Col. John 
married Chloe Stowers of Hingham, 1761. The family also 
of John, son of the first Samuel Clap, has heen distinguished. 
He married Haimah Gill (his cousin) 1702, (she was a widow 
1730, and married Major Amos Turner). 

Thomas (son of the latter John) born 1705, graduated at Har- 
vard College 1725. He was the minister of the first Church of 
Taunton a few years ; afterward a Judge of the Court of Plym- 
outh County, and a Colonel of the militia. He was the father 
of Capt. John Clap, an officer in the French war; Augustus, 
Esq., Town Clerk and Post-master for many years, who de- 
ceased 1826; Mary, who died 1830, aged ninety, a remarka- 
bly accomplished woman ; also Chandler, Hannah and Rufus 
now surviving. Capt. John was the father of Capt. Leonard 
Clap, and the only one of the family that married. His wife 
Jerusha Bailey 1752. The first w'lk of Judge Clap was Mary, 
the daughter of Judge George Leonard of Norton,* and his 
second was Esther, the daughter of Hon. John Chandler of 
Worcester. 

By way of illustrating the early history and connexions of 
this family, we add a few extracts from the Colony records. 

Plymouth, 1676, " At this Court Thomas Clap of Dedham 
claimed to be heir to his brother Eleazer deceased, and the 
Court being satisfied that he is the eldest son of Dea. Thomas 
Clap of Scituate, ordered that Samuel Clap of Scituate, Ad- 
ministrator, forbear to dispose of any of the lands of the s"" 
Eleazer, unless all concerned shall agree." 

Dea. Thomas Clap's will is dated 1684, and mentions that 
he was then eighty-seven years old. He gives legacies "To 



* Tlie wife of the first Judge George Leonard was Rachel, daughter of 
Dea. Steplicn Clap, and mother of the Rev. Dr. Barnes's wife, married 
November D, 1721. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 237 

wife Abi"-ail — To son Samuel — To son Thomas at Dedham 
and to daughter Ehzabeth King." 

The will of John Clap of Dorchester, dated 1655, gives 
" My house and land to my wife during her life, and after her 
decease to the support of the ministry and a school in Dorches- 
ter — To my brother Ambrose Clap what is due me from my 
brother Richard, now in England. To my brother-in-law 
Edward Clap S£. To Richard and Elizabeth, children of 
my brother Richard, (certain moveables named), and to Debo- 
rah, daughter of brother Richard, a silver spoon. To Nathan- 
iel, Ebenezer, Sarah and Hannah, children of my brother 
Nicholas Clap, 4s each. To Elizabeth, Prudence, and Sam- 
uel, children of my brother Thomas, (of Scituate), 8s each, 
and to the rest of his children 5s each." 

We add, that Noah, who removed to Norton, as mentioned 
above, had a son Eleazer, who deceased at Uxbridge, leaving 
descendants : and a son, Capt. Abiel of Mansfield, who was 
the father of Hon. Asa Clap of Portland, and Capt. Elkanah 
deceased. 

George Clap, (son of John and grandson of Dea. Stephen), 
born 1726, removed to Northampton. Rev. Mr Clap of 
New Orleans, we are told, is his descendant. 



THOMAS CLARK 

was in Scituate 1674. He came hither from Plymouth, and 
was probably the son or grandson of Thomas Clark, the mate 
of the May-flower in 1620. His farm in Scituate was on the 
west of Walnut tree hill, (a half mile west of late Judge Will- 
iam Cushing's mansion), and adjoining that of Cornet Buck. 
He married Martha Curtis 1676, and had children, Thomas, 
Joseph, David, Samuel, Nathaniel, Marcy, Deborah, Rachel, 
Ann, Charity and Mary, born from 1676, to 1704. 

His son Thomas, jr. succeeded to his father's house, and had 
children, Thomas, John, Mary, Joseph and Seth. This family 
intermarried with the Parkers, and also with the Palmers. 
The wife of Thomas, jr. was Alice Rogers 1705 — and also 
Alice Parker 1719. Thomas, sen. was a soldier in Phihp's 
war, and received a grant of land for his services, of the value 
of £5, 5s, 2d. 

This family disappears from Scituate after 1740. Thomas 
Clark, jr. and Alice his wife removed to Rochester 1731. 



238 FAMILY SKETCHES. 



Elder HENRY COBB, in Scituate 1633, 

was one of the men of Kent, and settled on Kent street. He 
had also eighty acres on North river, which was afterward the 
farm of Ephraim Kempton, and then of John James. Elder 
Cobb removed to Barnstable with his pastor Mr Lothrop, 1639. 
Two of his children were born at Plymouth, one at Scituate, 
and eight at Barnstable. His first wife Patience died 1648, 
and he married Sarah, the daughter of Samuel Hinckley, and 
sister of Governor Hinckley. He was a useful and valuable 
man, often deputy to the Court, and in other publick employ- 
ments. His son John settled in Plymouth, Gershom in Mid- 
dleboro, Edward in Taunton. His posterity are almost count- 
less. He deceased 1679. His sons were John, James, 
Gershom, Eleazcr, and daughters Mary and Patience, of his 
first wife : his sons Samuel, Jonathan and Henry, and his 
daughters Mehitabel and Sarah of his second wife. These 
children born from 1632 to 1662. Matthew Cobb, Esq. of 
Portland, was of the Barnstable family. 



ROBERT COCKE, (now Cook), 

was in Scituate 1690, and lived east of the Great swamp. His 
children (born in Scituate) were James born 1693, William 
1695, Jane 1697, Margaret 1698. His wife was Mary Jenkins, 
(see Jenkins). Robert (probably, jr.) of Scituate, married 
Agnis Kent of Boston, 1703. William, brother of Robert, sen. 
married Sarah Curtis 1705. Robert, a great grandson of the 
first Robert, deceased in Scituate 1831. He had been a 
Revolutionary soldier. William (son of William) married 
Mary Ramsden 1726, and hved in Hanover. 



AMBROSE COLE 

purchased lands of Capt. Stephen Otis, in the Conihassett 
1695. His house stood on the Cohasset road, forty rods south- 
east of Bound brook bridge, on the north-east of the way. 

His first wife's name was Silence — , and his second Abigail 
Sutton, 1715. His children, WilHam born 1693, Ambrose 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 239 

1695, Ensign 1698, Ann 1701, David 1704, Jonathan 1707, 
James 1716. 

Ambrose married Elizabedi Lincoln 1721. Children, Eliz- 
abedi born 1721, Amos 1722. 

Ensign married Sarah Peaks 1726. Children, Desire born 

1732, Rudi 1734, Ensign 1737, Lucy 1742. 

David married Sarah Balch 1732. Children, Lydia born 

1733, Wra. 1735, David 1737, Elizabeth 1739, Abigail 1743. 
Jonathan married Sarah Gannett 1732. Children, Mary 

born 1733, Sarah 1736, Jonathan 1739. 

James married Sarah White 1745. Children, Mary born 
1746, Sarah 1748, James 1750, Mehitabel 1753, Desire 1756, 
Charles 1759, Nabby 1763, Enoch 1766. Charles is now 
hving, and has a numerous family here and in Boston. 

William (son of David) left a family, viz. William born 1766, 
Charlotte 1768, Oliver 1771, Elizabeth 1774, David 1776, 
(died 1830), Ambrose 1779, Rachel 1782, Gridley 1784, 
Bradock 1787. Ambrose is of Charlestown. 

Ambrose, sen. died 1738, and names in his will "sons 
Ambrose, Ensign, David, James, Jonathan, and daughter 
Ann Sutton." 

There was a James Cole in Scituate 1653. He removed 
to old York, soon after that date. Ambrose may have been 
his son. There was Job Cole in Plymouth 1634, who married 
Rebecca Collier. 



PETER COLLAMORE, (early Collamer), 

was on the list of those liable to bear arms in Scituate, 1643. 
His house lot was on the east part of Belle house neck, adjoin- 
ing Mr Vassall's. It is now called the " Collamore place." 
He had no children, and sent to England for some relative to 
inherit his estate. William Blackmore, his sister's son, accord- 
ingly came. But desiring an heir of the name of Collamore, 
he gave but little to Blackmore, and made his nephew, Capt. 
Anthony Collamore, who afterwards came, his principal legatee. 
The will of Peter Collamore is dated 1684, and bequeathes 
" To wife Mary one third of the income of my estates. To the 
children of William Blackmore, deceased, viz. to Peter a lot 
of marsh on the first Herring brook — to John all my lands at 
Sowamack* — to Phebe a cow — to William 50 acres of land at 



Probably Shaomet, north of Swansey. 



240 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Seconett. To Mary, daughter of Anthony Collamore, 56 
acres in Scituate — to Sarah (tlo.) 10£, and to Martha and 
EHzabeth the like sum. To my man Wilham Clift a 10 acre 
lot at Seconett. To nephew Anthony Collamore all other 
property. Peter Collamer." 

Capt. Anthony Collamore married Sarah, one of the twin 
daughters of Mr Isaac Chittenden, 1666. His children were 
MaiV born 1667, Peter 1671, Sarah 1673, Martha 1677, 
Ehzabeth 1679. 

Peter married Abigail Davis of Roxbury, 1695. His chil- 
dren, Abigail born 1695, Sarah 1697, Anthony 1699, Peter 
1701, Mary 1703, John 1704, Isaac 1707, Thomas 1709, 
Samuel 1712. Isaac married Thankful Curtis 1733, and left 
posterity. Samuel removed to Maine. Capt. Thomas to 
Pembroke. 

Most of these left descendants. Many have removed to 
distants parts. Jacob Collamore, Esq. of Royalton, Vermont, 
is a descendant of Anthony.* The only branch of the family 
which preserves the name in Scituate, is that of John, who 
married Margaret Whiton 1732, and settled at Gillman plain. 
His son, Capt. Enoch, kept a well known tavern tberc lor 
many years: and the sons of Ca])t. Enoch, viz. John, Esq. 
and Enoch reside on tlie same plain, and Dr. Anthony, (gradu- 
ated at Harvard Cohege 1 805), and Horace reside in Pembroke. 

We add that Capt. Anthony Collamore, on a coasting voyage 
from North river to Boston, was wrecked and lost on Scituate 
beach, December 16, 1693. On the Probate records of 1695, 
appears an agreement of his heirs in the division of his estate, 
in which the parties concerned were " Saj'ah the widow — 
Peter, the only son — Mary, the wife of Robert Stetson — 
Sarah, Martha and Elizabeth Collamore." 

The rocks where Capt. Cohamore was wrecked are called 
" Collamore's ledge." He was the commander of the militia 
of the Town, and was buried " under arms." 



* Anthony (son of Peter) married Susanna Oakman of Marslifielrl, 'il'M, 
and had children, Anthony born 1735, Samuel 17157, (of Myine), Susanna 
1740, Abij;ail 1745. He died 1744. Anthony, son of Anthony, married 
Blercy Barker 1757, and removed to Vermont, 1778 : he was grandfather of 
Jacob, Esq. of Royalton. Isaac (wlio married Thankful Curtis above- 
named) had children, Peter 1735, Joseph 1737, Thankful 1731), Joshua 1740, 
Rebecca 1742, Davis 1743. Thomas married Hannah Gross of Ilingham, 
1737, and had a son Thomas born 1738, and daughters Lydin, Martha and 
Hannah. John, above named, had children, Sarah born 1T33, Bet.sy 1740, 
John 1742, Capt. Enoch 1744. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 241 



THOMAS COLLIER, (from Hull), 

married Bridget Bosworth 1735 — children, Thomas born 1736, 
Gershom 1738, Bridget 1740, William 1742, Jane 1744, Mary 
1746, Ephraim Bosworth 1748. 



ISAAC COLLIER 

married Tamsen Hayden 1770 — children, Rev, WiUiani born 
1771, sometime of Char^stown, Isaac 1773, James 1775, 
Moses 1777, Elizabeth 1':*'9, Fanny 1782, Peleg and Judith 
1784, Anna 1786, Ehshr'l788, Mary 1792, Cynthia 1794. 
He lived on the beach, between the Barker farm and the glades. 
He died 1817. 



WILLIAM COLLIER, (called of Boston), 

married Judith Briggs 1748, and was father of Isaac above, 
born 1749, and three daughters, Sarah, Judhh and Elizabeth. 
He had large tracts of land south of the glades. 



JOSEPH COLMAN, (shoemaker), 

was in Scituate 1638. His house was on the west side of 
Colman's hills, where several generations of the family dwelt. 
The original house lot is now deserted. There is no record 
of his family in the Town or Church books. From incidental 
record we find he had sons Joseph, Zechariah, Thomas, and 
several daughters. Most of these children belonged to the 
society of Friends, and some of the daughters were married 
and removed to Newport, Rhode Island. 

Joseph removed to Connecticut before 1690, and probably 
to Norwich. The high hills between the Harbour and the 
North river, derived their name from this family. 



JOHN COOPER 

was in Scituate 1634. In 1638, "tongue island," so called, 
was granted to him by the committee for laying out lands. 

31 



242 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

This is one of the marsh Islands near Little's bridge, and has 
been known by the name of Cooper's Island. In 1639, he 
sold the island to William Wills, and the island bears the name 
of Wills's island to this day. 

He married Priscilla Wright 1634, (of Plymouth). He 
removed to Barnstable, 1639. We believe he left no children. 
He deceased at Barnstable, dividing his estate between the 
Church at Barnstable and Nathaniel Morton's wife, (being 
Lydia, his sister). Mrs. Alice Bradford of Plymouth was also 
his sister. 

JOSEPH COPELAND 

came into Scituate from Bridgewater, 1730, a descendant of 
Lawrence Copeland, an early settler in Braintree. He married 
Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. Benjamin Tolman 1735, and 
succeeded to the family residence of Capt. Tolman. It is the 
place occupied by the family of Ebenezer Copeland, late de- 
ceased, forty rods east of the Episcopal church hill. Here he 
built a tannery. 

The children of Joseph Copeland have been remarkable for 
longevity. 

Elizabeth, born May 6, 1736, died August 1828, aged 
ninety-three. She was the wife of Mr William Briggs, and the 
mother of several sons surviving at Milton and Salem. 

Ruth, born August 16, 1738, the mother of Robert Eells, 
Esq. of Hanover, is now living, (1831). She married Robert 
Lenthal Eells 1757. 

Mary, born November 3, 1740, is Mrs. Joshua Barker of 
Hanover, now living. 

Hannah, born February 24, 1743, single, living in Scituate. 

Rhoda, born April 22, 1745 — Mrs. Ford, living in Scituate. 

Lydia, born July 20, 1747, single, living in Scituate. 

Joseph, born August 22, 1749, living in Turner, Maine. 

WilUam, born September 21, 1751, living in Scituate, has a 
son William, and daughters. 

Ebenezer, born October 20, 1753, died in Scituate 1810, 
and left three daughters. 

Rebecca, born August 30, 1755, wife of Samuel Tolman, 
living in Scituate. 

Sarah, born January 2, 1758, wife of Micah Stetson, living 
in Scituate. 

Ehsha, born December 20, 1759, living in Fairhaven. 
These all, save two, have famihes. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 243 



EDWARD CORLEW 



was In Scituate 1730, and purchased lands in the north part of 
the Town. He married Abigail Russell 1732. He came 
from the north of England with a considerable company, bound 
for Boston, but who were unfortunately wrecked on the beach 
near the mouth of North river : many of the company were 
lost. He had children, John born 1732, Edward and Thomas 
1736, William 1744, Daniel 1746. 

Thomas married Mary Russell of Pembroke, 1763, and 
removed to Vermont. His son Thomas married Abigail, the 
daughter of his uncle Daniel Corlew, 1792, and lives in Vermont. 

Edward also removed to Vt. and probably left descendants. 

Jokn died of the small pox in Scituate, and left no descend- 
ants that we have learned. 

William married Margaret Humphreys, and has children, 
William, Elijah, (whose son Elijah is an officer in the Suffolk 
Bank), Charles, Anna, Joseph, Polly (now Mrs. Colman of 
Scituate) and Jane. 

Daniel married Deborah Price 1769. He had a son Noah, 
who was lost at sea, and a son Reuben, who married Elizabeth 
Burbank, 1794. It is an extraordinary fact, that Edward 
Corlew, sen. and his first four sons, were soldiers together in 
the French War. 

JOHN COWEN, from Scotland, 

appears in Scituate 1656. He purchased lands in Conihassett, 
north of Sweet swamp, and east of Michael Pierce's farm, (late 
Hay ward Pierce, Esq.) His house stood where the house of 
Stephen Litchfield now stands. We notice in the Colony 
records a curious evidence of his Scottish spirit, viz. "1670. 
John Covven appeared In Court to answer for contemptible 
words against Royal Authority ; to wit : that he scorned to be 
in subjection to an Englishman — and that there never was any 
King In England that was an Englishman, save one crooked 
back'd Richard — a crooked Rogue, just like such an one, 
(naming a well known hunch back)." Cleared. 

John Covven married Rebecca, the widow of Richard Man, 
1656. His children, Joseph born 1657, Mary 1659, John 
1662, Israel 1664, Rebecca 1666. He lived In Richard Man's 
house until 1670, (see Appendix). 

Joseph was killed in the Rehoboth battle, 1676. 



244 FAMILY SKKTCHES. 

John married Deborah Litchfield 1GS7. His children, 
Sarah born 1688, Joseph 1690, John 1692, Joshua 1694, 
Caleb 1696, Israel 1701, Mary 1705. 

Israel married His children, Mary born 1691, 

Hannah 1694, Elizabeth 1G97, Israel 1699, Jonah 1704, (died 
early), Gethelus 1708, (no family). Job 1713, Joseph 1715, 
Sarah 1717. 

Of this latter family, Israel married Hovvland of Pembroke, 
and removed to Weymouth. His sons born in Scituate, Israel 
1724, Balch 1728. 

Job had sons. Job born 1742, Gethelus 1745, Israel 1750. 

Joseph removed to Brid2;ewater, and married Howard 1736. 

Capt. Job, son of Job, is now living in Scituate, (no sons). 

Gethelus left sons David and Job. He married Mary Gill 
of Hingham, 1735. 

Israel left Israel, Charles and others. 

JOHN CROCKER 

was in Scituate 1636. In 1654, he sold land south-west of 
the burying ground, near the Harbour, to John Whiston, and 
removed to Barnstable, probably. His brother William was in 
Scituate 1636, or earlier, and removed 1639. John Crocker's 
children were William born 1637, Elizabeth 1639, Samuel 
1642, Job 1644, Jonah 1647, Eleazer 1650, Joseph 1654. 
There are many descendants in Barnstable, Rev. Joseph of 
Eastham, Rev. Josiah of Taunton, (1742), and Rev. Nathan 
Bourn Crocker of Providence, were descendants. 

FRANCIS CROCKER* 

was in Scituate 1648, and soon removed. He has posterity in 
Hanover. He married Mary Gaunt of Barnstable, 1647. 

JAMES CUSHMAN 

was in Scituate from 1639 to 1649. 

* " Upon petition of Francis Crooker, who desires in marriage Mary- 
Gaunt, kinswoman to Mr Cognin of IJarnstable— tiic Court liavm>r heard 
both parties, and seriously weighed the circumstances, doth order that if the 
S^ Crooker bring in to the Governor a certificate under the hands of Mr 
Chauncy, and some other approved phisitiun, tiiat that disease with which 
he is sometimes troubled, be not the falling sickness, that then he the s'' 
Crooker shall, in convenient time, have in marriage the s'' Mary Gaunt." 
Colony Records. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 245 



Gen. JAMES CUDWORTH, (salter), 

was a freeman in Scituate 1634. We think it probable, that 
he came from London to Boston, 1632, in company with Mr 
Hatherly, as he was Mr Hatherly's particular friend. His house 
in 1640, was near the bridge at the harbour, which he sold to 
Thomas Ensign 1642, and removed to Barnstable. He return- 
ed before 1646, when he became one of the Conihassett Part- 
ners. After his return from Barnstable he resided for a time 
on the south-east of Colman's hills : which house he sold to 
Thomas Robinson before 1650. He then resided during life 
near the little Musquashcut pond. Ward Litchfield now 
possesses the land and house lot. In 1652, he was Capt. of 
the militia of Scituate. He was deputy to the Colony Court 
1649, and several succeeding years. He was an assistant of 
the government in 1656, 7 and 8. Also a commissioner of the 
United Colonies, 1657. Li 1658, he fell under the displeasure 
of those commissioners because he would not set his hand to 
the severe laws which that board propounded to the several 
General Courts, to be enacted against the Quakers, and also 
under the displeasure of Gov. Prence and the Court of Plym- 
outh, for the stand which he took in favour of toleration. 
Occasion was sought to displace him. A letter was produced 
which it was suspected he was the author of, sent to England, 
and describing the bigotry of the government. Another letter 
to the Governor was produced, in which some expressions 
were so construed, that he was judged to be " a manifest opposer 
of the government," and he was left out of the magistracy and 
the board of Commissioners, and deprived of his military com- 
mand 1658, and disfranchised 1660. Li 1659, the town of 
Scituate returned him a deputy to the Court, and the Court 
rejected him. In all the passages of the life of this admirable 
man, he never manifested his magnanimity more signally, than 
by his dignified silence and quiet demeanor under these perse- 
cutions. He remained at home, prosecuting his agricultural 
pursuits, and employed in the municipal concerns of Scituate, 
without railing at the government. The Colony was at peace 
with the natives, and his commanding talents could be spared 
from the government. The letter above alluded to, as sent to 
England, was addressed to (Mr Brown ?) then in England, and 
who had been an assistant in Plymouth Colony. 

We insert an extract. It is dated at Scituate, 1658. 



246 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

"As to the state and condition of things amongst us, it is sad, 
and so like to continue. The antichristian, persecuting spirit is 
very active, and that in the powers of this world. He that will 
not lash, persecute and punish men that differ in matters of 
religion, must not sit on the bench, nor sustain any office in the 
Commonwealth. Last Election Mr Hatherly and myself were 
left off the bench, and myself discharged of my Captainship, 
because 1 had entertained some of the Quakers at my house, 
thereby that I might be the better acquainted with their princi- 
ples. I thought it better to do so, than with the blind world 
to censure, condemn, rail at, and revile them, when they neither 
saw their persons nor knew any of their principles. But the 
Quakers and myself cannot close in diverse things, and so I 
signified to the Court; but told them withal, that as I was no 
Quaker, so I would be no persecutor. 

"This spirit did work those two years that I was of the 
Magistracy, during which time, I was, on sundry occasions, 
forced to declare my dissent in sundry actings of that nature : 
which altho' done with all moderation of expression, together 
with due respect unto the rest, yet it wrought great disaffection 
and prejudice in them against me : so that they themselves set 
others to frame a petition against me, so that they may have a 
seeming ground (though first moved by themselves) to lay me 
under reproach. The petition was with nineteen hands : it will 
be too long to make rehearsal. It wrought such a disturbance 
in our town, and in our military Company, that when the act 
of Court was read at the head of the Company, had I not been 
present and made a speech to them, I fear there would have 
been such actings as woidd have been of sad consequence. 
The Court was again followed with another petition (counter) 
of fifty-four hands : and the Court returned the petitioners an 
answer, with much plausibleness of speech, carrying with it 
great show of respect to them, readily acknow^ledging with the 
petitioners my parts and gifts, and how useful I had been in my 
place, professing that they had nothing against me, only in that 
thing of my giving entertainment to the Quakers. 

(Here follow extracts of the laws against the Quakers, &;c.) 

"All these carnal and anti-christian ways, being not of God's 
appointment, effect nothing to the hindering of them in their 
course. It is only the word and the Spirit of the Lord that is 
able to convince gainsayers. They have many meetings and 
many adherents ; almost the whole town of Sandwich. And 
give me leave to acquaint you a little with their sufferings, 
which is grievous, and saddens the hearts of most of the precious 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 247 

saints of God : it lies down and rises up with them, and they 
cannot put it out of their minds, when they see poor fami- 
Hes deprived of their comforts, and brought into penury and 
want. As for the means by which they are impoverished — 
they were, in the first place, scrupulous of an oath : why then 
we must put in force an old law : they must all take the oath 
of fidelity — -this being tendered they will not take it — then 
they must pay five pounds, or depart the Colony in such a time j 
when the time comes, the Marshall goes and fetcheth away 
their cows, and other cattle : another court comes, they are 
required again to take the oath — they cannot — then five 
pounds more. A poor weaver that had 7 or 8 small children, 
had but two cows, and both were taken from him. The 
Marshall asked him what he would do — and the man said, 
that ' God who gave him them, he doubted not would still pro- 
vide for him.' 

"The last Court of Assistants was pleased to determine 
fines on Sandwich men for meetings, one hundred and fifty 
pounds, wherof W. Newland is twenty-four pounds, for himself 
and wife, at ten shillings a meeting — W. Allen forty-six 
pounds — the poor weaver afore spoken of twenty pounds. 
Brother Cook told me, one of the brethren of Barnstable was 
in the weaver's house, when cruel Barloe (Sandwich Marshall) 
came to demand the sum, and said he was fully informed of all 
the poor man had, and thought it not worth ten pounds. What 
will be the end of such courses and practises the Lord only 

knows. I am informed of three or four score, last 

Court presented, for not coming to publick meetings : and let 
me tell you how they brought this about. You may remember 
a law once made called Thomas Hinckley's law, ' that if any 
neglect the worship of God in the place where he lives, and set 
up a worship contrary to God, and the allowance of this Gov- 
ernment, to the publick profanation of God's Holy Day, and 
ordinances, he shall pay 10 shillings.' This law would not 
reach what then was aimed at, because he must do all things 
therein express'd, or else break not the law. In March last a 
Court of Deputies was called, and some acts touching Quakers 
were made, and then they contrived to make this law servicea- 
ble to them, by putting out the word (and) and putting in the 
word (or), which is a disjunctive, and makes every branch to 
become a law; yet they left it dated June 6, 1651 ; and so it 
stands as an act of the Gen. Court, they to be the authors of it 
seven years before it was in being ; and so yourselves have a 
share in it, if the Record lie not. 



348 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

" We are wrapped up in a labyrinth of confused laws, that 
the freeman's power is quite gone, and it was said last June 
Court by one, that he knew nothing the freemen had there to 
do. Sandwich men may not go to the Bay lest they be taken 
up for Quakers — warrants lie in ambush, to apprehend and 
bring them before a Magistrate, to give an account of their 
business. Some of the Quakers in R. I. came to bring them 
goods, and that on far more reasonable terms than the professing 
and oppressing Merchants of the County — but that will not be 
suffered. And truly it moves bowels of compassion in all sorts, 
except those in place, who carry it with a high hand towards 
them. Through mercy, we have yet among us, the worthy 
Mr Dunster, whom the Lord hath made boldly to bear testimony 
against the spirit of persecution. 

"Our bench now is Thomas Prince, Gov., Mr Collier, Capt. 
Willet, Capt. Winslow, Mr Alden, Lieut. Southworth, W. 
Bradford, Thomas Hinckley. Mr Collier, last June, would 
not sit on the bench if I sat there, and now will not sit the next 
year, unless he may have thirty pounds to sh by him. Our 
Court and Deputies last June, made Capt. Winslow Major. 
Surely we are all mercenary soldiers, that must have a Major 
imposed upon us. Doubtless, the next Court, they may choose 
us a Governor, and Assistants also : a freeman shall need to do 
nothing but bear such burdens as are laid upon him. Mr Alden 
hath deceived the expectations of many, and indeed lost the affec- 
tions of such as I judge were his cordial Christian friends, who 
is very active in such ways as I pray God may not be charged 
upon him to be oppressions of a high nature. 

"James Cudworth." 

On the election of Josiah Winslow Governor, 1673, he 
endeavored, and with success, to make honorable amends for 
the abuse and neglect which Cudworth had suffered from his 
predecessor. Gov. Prence. We notice in the Colony records, 
July 1673, "Capt. Cudworth, by a full and clear vote, is 
accepted and reestablished, in the association and body of this 
Commonweahh." He was chosen an assistant again from 
1674 to 1680, inclusively. In 1675, he was chosen "General 
and Commander in Chief of all the forces that are or may be 
sent forth against the enemy," and he continued in that office 
until Philip's war was ended. In 1681, he was appointed an 
agent for the Colony to England. He was also Deputy Gov- 
ernor the same year. On his arrival in London in the autumn 
of 1682, he unfortunately took the smallpox, of which he died. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 249 

We cannot forbear to quote from another interesting letter of 
liis to Gov. Winslow, modestly declining the office of Com- 
mander in Chief, which had been, as it were, unanimously 
pressed upon him in 1673, when an expedition against the 
Dutch at New York was projected. 

" Sir, I do unfeignedly and most ingenuously receive the 
Court's valuation and estimation of me, in preferring me to 
such a place. It is not below me or beneath me, (as some 
deem theirs to be), but is above me, and far beyond any 
desert of mine ; and had the Court been well acquainted with 
my insufficiency for such an undertaking, doubtless I should not 
have been in nomination; neither would it have been their 
wisdom to hazard the cause and the lives of their men upon an 
instrument so unaccomplished for the well management of so 
great a concern. So being persuaded to myself of my own 
insufficiency, it appears clearly and undoubtedly unto me, that 
I have no call of God thereunto : for vov populi., is not always 
vox Dei. Beside, it is evident unto me, upon other consider- 
ations, I am not called of God unto this work at this time. 
The estate and condition of my family is such as will not admit 
of such a thing, being such as can hardly be paralleled ; which 
was well known unto some : but it was not well or friendly 
done as to me, nor faithfully as to the country, if they did not 
lay my condition before the Court. My wife, as is well known 
unto the whole town, is not only a weak woman, but has so 
been all along ; and now by reason of age, being sixty-seven 
years and upwards, and nature decaying, so her illness grows 
strongly upon her. 

" Sir, I can truly say that I do not in the least waive the 
business out of any discontent in my spirit arising from any 
former difference : for the thought of all which is and shall be 
forever buried, so as not to come in remembrance : neither out 
of any effeminate or dastardly spirit ; but I am as freely willing 
to serve my King and my Country as any man, in what I am 
capable and fitted for : but I do not understand that a man is 
called to serve his country with the inevitable ruin and destruc- 
tion of his own family. 

" These things being premised, I know your Honor's wisdom 
and prudence to be such, that you will, upon serious consider- 
ation thereof, conclude that I am not called of God to embrace 
the call of the General Court. Sir, when I consider the 
Court's act in pitching their thoughts upon me, I have many 
musings what should be the reasons moving them thereunto ; I 
conceive it cannot be, that I should be thought to have more 
32 



250 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

experience and better abilities than others; for you, with many 
others, do well know, that when 1 entered upon military employ, 
I was very raw in the theoretic part of war, and less acquainted 
with the practical part : and it was not long that I sustained my 
place in which I had occasion to bend my mind and thoughts 
that way ; but was discharged therof, and of other publick 
concerns : and therein I took vox populi to be vox Dei, and 
that God did thereby call and design me to sit still and be 
sequestered from all i)ublick transactions, which condition suits 
me so well that I have received more satisfaction and content- 
ment therein, than ever I did in sustaining any publick place." 

The magnanimity of Gen. Cudworth has rarely been equal- 
ed ; and when we couple with it the mildness and humanity 
of his demeanor, his character reaches the sublime. If he was 
ever reproached, it was for virtues which his coevals failed to 
attain. 

He accepted the command in Philip's war, as we have stated 
above, and acquitted himself with honor. He had undoubtedly 
the talents of a brave and able commander, different indeed 
from those of Church, who shone in the darings of partizan 
warfare, but such as were proper for his place. When he took 
the field in Philip's war he was past seventy years of age ; there 
is therefore little propriety in drawing a parallel between him 
and Church. 

Of General Cudworth's family connexions in England, we 
have no certain information. It has been suggested by some 
that he was the brother of that distinguished man of learning, 
Professor Ralph Cudworth, whose work on the philosophy of 
of the mind has been a foundation for all subsequent writers : 
but this we have not made certain. 

It appears that Gen. Cudworth did not proceed to England 
on his mission, to obtain a new charter which should include 
Narragansett, (for this was the object of the mission), until the 
summer of 1G82. His will is dated in the spring of that year, 
at Scituate, and orders his estate "to be divided into six equal 
parts — James two sixths — Israel one sixth — Jonathan one 
sixth — daughter Mary's four children (Israel, Robert, James 
and Mary Whitcomb) one sixth — daughter Hannah Jones 
one sixth. 



"Thos. Hyland, r . , 

' ^ witnesses. 



•D J r- > wit 

Rich D. Curtis, ) 

It appears that his wife had deceased. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 251 

Capt. James, the oldest son, had lands in Freetown, in his 
father's right, and may have resided there for a time, but most 
of his children are recorded in Scituate. They were Mary born 
1667, Sarah 1669, Capt. James 1670, who deceased at Free- 
town, 1729, Joanna 1671, (wife of Zachary Colman 1696), 
Elizabeth 1672, Abigail 1674, John 1677. John (last named) 
settled in Scituate, and left sons, John born 1706, James 1715, 
both of whom left sons. 

Capt. James, sen. deceased before 1699. His widow Mary 
deceased 1699, leaving legacies "to sons James and John, 
and daughters Mary, Sarah, Joanna Colman, and Eliz. and 
Abigail." 

Israel (son of Gen. Cudworth) removed to Freetown, (as is 
said), but he retained an interest in Conihassett lands in Scit- 
uate as late as 1700. He had one daughter born in Scituate, 
Mary 1678, (wife of Jacob Vinal 1695). 

Jonathan (son of Gen. Cudworth) resided in Scituate. He 
married Sarah, the daughter of Jonathan Jackson. His children, 
Nathaniel born 1667, Bethia 1671, Hannah 1674, (wife of 
Thomas Hatch 1695), Sarah 1676, Jonathan 1679, James 
1682, Israel 1683, Rachel 1689. Of these sons, most of them 
had families — The sons of Nathaniel were Israel born 1706, 
Jonathan 1710, Nathaniel 1712. The sons of James were 
James born 1714, Zephaniah 1719. The sons of Zephaniah 
were Noah, Melzar and James. 

John (born 1706, above named) married Mary Briggs 1731, 
his sons were John, jr. and Capt. Joseph. John, jr. married 
Elizabeth Clap 1772, and had sons John, Job, Charles, Abiel, 
Arvin. This family resided on Hooppole neck. Capt. 
Joseph married Elizabeth Souther 1775, and has sons Elijah 
of Scituate and Peter of Boston. 

RICHARD CURTIS 

was one of four brothers who came early to New England, 
viz. Richard, Thomas, John and William. John left no family.* 
Richard had lands at Marblehead in 1648, and in the same 
year he purchased lands in Scituate, and built a house between 
Gowin White's and the Harbour. He married Lydia, daughter 
of John Hollet, 1649, and had children, Anna born 1649, 
Ehzabeth 1651, John December 1, 1653, Mary 1655, Martha 
1657, Thomas, March 18, 1659, Deborah 1661, Sarah 1663. 

* He had a house at Curtis's hill, which was burnt in Philip's war. 



252 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

He died 1G03. His will, dated 1692, gives "To oldest son 
John two thirds of my real estate, he providing for my wife 
Lydia during her life. To son Thomas one third, he. To 
daughters Hannah Curtis, Elizabeth Brooks, Mary Badcocke, 
and Martha Clark." 

John married Miriam, daughter of William Brooks 1678, 
and had chUdren, Mercy born 1678-9, Hannah 1681, WilHam 
September 15, 1683, His only son William married Rachel, 
daughter of Dea. Samuel Stodder, 1707, and had children, 
John born 1708, Samuel 1711, Rachel 1712, William 1714, 
Rachel 1717, Samuel 1719, Elizabeth 17-22. The last son, 
Samuel married Rachel Briggs 1745, and his son Samuel 
married Ruth Nash 1777, and Ammiel, son of the latter, is liv- 
ing in Scituate. 

Thomas (the younger son of Richard) settled on the tract of 
land called Egypt, where he had a house 1693. He married 
Mary, sister of Robert Cooke, 1694, and daughter of William 
Cooke: and had children, Deborah born 1697, Ruth 1699, 
Mary 1701, Thomas, March 5, 1703-4, Ruth 1711. The 
only son, Thomas, jr., married Ruth Wade 1729, and had 
children, Thomas 3d, born December 8, 1729, Jael 1732, 
Eli 1733, Ruth 1735, Simeon 1739, Abner 1742, Beriah 1745. 
Charles, who occupies the farm of three generations of his 
ancestors, is son of the last named Thomas, whose wife was 
Susanna Bailey 1759. Eli has also posterity in Scituate. He 
married Desire Turner 1758, and Elizabeth Bailey 1777. 
Eli, jr. married Bathsheba Nichols 1782. 

From this family have descended some of the name in the 
west of Scituate, Hanover and Abington. Abner, son of 
Thomas, jr., married Sarah Ford 1766, and lived in Hanover. 
Beriah removed to Chesterfield. He married Desire Litch- 
field 1783. 



THOMAS CURTIS, (brother of Richard), 

was in Scituate 1649. He had previously liv^ed at Georgiana, 
and is called of York, in our records. He returned to York, 
where he was living in 1684, at which date he gave a deed to 
his son Samuel, of lands on Curtis or Buttonwood hill, where 
Samuel and several generations of his family lived. 

Two children of Thomas Curtis were born and baptized in 
Scituate second parish, Elizabeth 1649, and Samuel 1659. 
He had also a son Benjamin of Portsmouth. We have seen a 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 253 

deed (preserved here) from Robert Tufton Mason to Benjamin 
Curtis, conveying a lot of land " on Great Island in the Piscat- 
aqua River," dated 1681. 

Samuel married Elizabeth and had children, Elizabeth 

born 1G94, Samuel 1695, Benjamin 1699, Abigad 1703. 

Benjamin married Rebecca House 1723, and had children, 
Samuel born 1734, Job 1736, Benjamin 1737, Rebecca 1738, 
James 1739, Elijah 1740, Mary 1742, Charles 1744. Of 
these sons, Samuel married Rachel Briggs 1745. His children 
were Samuel born 1750, and several others. Samuel last 
named deceased at Marshfield, and was the father of Samuel 
Curtis, the present Clerk of that town. James died unmarried 
in Scituate in 18:20. Elijah lived on Curtis hill, married 
Abigail Sole 1756. His children Zynthia Bardett, Capt. 
Elijah, (and by a second wife Zeporah Randah), Nehemiah 
and Col. James. 

Charles (youngest son of Benjamin) graduated at Harvard 
College 1765, married Lydia James, and died at New York. 



WILLIAM CURTIS, (brother of Richard), 

bore arms in Scituate 1643. His farm was on North river, next 
south of the Wanton farm. His children were Joseph born 
1664, Benjamin 1666, William 1668, John 1670, Miriam 1673, 
Mehitabel 1675, Stephen 1677, Sarah 1679, Samuel 1681. 

Joseph, married Rebecca 1692, and had children, 

Joseph born 1693, Josiah 1696, Rebecca 1699, Martha 1701, 
Richard 1702, Elisha 1704, Thankful 1707, Jesse 1709. 

Benjamin married Mary Sylvester 1689. He first built the 
Curtis mills on the third Herring brook. His children were 
Mary born 1691, Benjamin 1692, Ebenezer 1694, Lydia 1695, 
Sarah 1697, Ruth 1700, Susanna 1702, Deborah 1704, 
William 1706, David 1708, Peleg 1710. The descendants 
of this family reside near the Curtis mills. Peleg married 
Experience Ford 1749. 

John married Experience Palmer 1707, and settled near 
Hugh's Cross in Hanover. His children were John born 1709, 
Bezaleel 1711 — his descendants, Samuel and others, reside 
near the same place. 

Samuel (youngest son of Wihiam, sen.) resided on his pater- 
nal farm. He married Anna Barstow 1707. His chddren 
were Samuel born 1708, Anna 1711, MartJia 1713, Miriam 



254 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

1715, Deborah 1717, Simeon, June 1, 1720, Amos 1722, 
Mehitabel 1726. 

Simeon settled in Hanover, a half mile south-east of Hugh's 
Cross. He married Asenath Sprague of Duxbury, and had 
children, Simeon, (now Capt. Simeon of East BridgewaterV 
Melzar, (the father of Melzar, Esq. of Hanover, and others), 
James, (of Freeport, Maine), Asenath, Susanna: and by a 
second wife (widow Lucy Macomber, whose maiden name 
was Barker of Hingham), Lucy, Asenath, Mary, and Barker, 
(of Maine). Mary married Job Young. 

Amos (son of Samuel) settled on the paternal farm. He 
married Mary Faunce of Kingston, 1744. His children were 
Samuel born 1745, Amos 1747, (died young). Amos, sen. 
died 1750. His widow married Nathaniel Church 1758. 
Her daughter Mary Church was the first wife of William 
Copeland, sen. 1782. 

Samuel succeeded to the paternal farm. He married Me- 
hitabel Young 1778. His children are Sophia, Samuel, 
Mehitabel, who all reside on the ancient farm, and Mary, the 
wife of Peter Cudworth of Boston. 



JOHN GUSHING, sen. 

came into Scituate from Hingham, 1G62, and purchased the 
farm on " Belle house neck," of Capt. John Vassall, son of 
William Vassall, to whom it was laid out 1634. He was the 
son of Matthew Cushing, and Nazareth Pitcher his wife. 
Matthew was born in England 1588, the son of Peter Cushing 
of Norfolk, whose grandfather had possessed large estates in 
Lombard street, London. Matthew Cushing, with his wife 
and five children, viz. Daniel, Jeremiah, Matthew, Deborah, 
and John, sailed from Gravesend, April 26, 1638, in the ship 
Diligent, John Martin of Ipswich master, and arrived at Boston 
on the 10th of August. They appear in Hingham in the 
autumn of the same year. Matthew deceased at Hingham, 
September 30, 1660, aged seventy-two. His widow survived 
to 1681, aged ninety-six. His children were all living at his 
decease, save his daughter, w^ho had been the wife of Matthias 
Briggs. His will bequeaths legacies "to my wife Nazareth 
my house, &;c. — to son Daniel (lands descrilDed) — to son-in- 
law Matthias Briggs 150£ — to son Jeremiah 2£, 2s, lOd, — 
to Matthew and John each (a sum named)." Of these chil- 
dren Deborah and Jeremiah left no children. Daniel and 



i 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 255 

Matthew left families in Hingham, whose posterity is very 
numerous. 

We return to John, sen., who settled in Scituate. He was 
born 1627. He married Sarah, the daughter of Nicholas 
Jacob of Hingham, 1656. He was a deputy to the Colony 
Court many years, and first in 1674 : an assistant of the Colony 
Government 1689, 90 and 91, and representative to the Court 
at Boston, the first year after the two Colonies were united in 
1692, and several succeeding years. He died 1708. His 
wife died 1678, aged thirty-eight. Their children were 
John, jr. born April 28, 1662, and died 1737. He resided 
at " Belle house " neck. He was Chief Justice of the Inferior 
Court of Plymouth, from 1702 to 1710. — Counsellor of Mas- 
sachusetts, from 1710 to 1728, inclusively — Judge of the 
Superior Court from 1728 to 1737. A cotemporary journalist 
(John Cotton) says "he was the life and soul of the Court." 
He married Deborah Loring of Hull, May 20, 1687, who died 

1713. Children, Sarah born 1687, (a son 1692, who died in 
infancy), Deborah born 1693,* John, 3d. born July 17, 1695, 
Elijah 1697, Mary 1700, Nazareth 1703, Benjamin 1706, 
Nathaniel 1709. By a second wife, Sarah Holmes, married 

1714, Josiah born 1715, Mary 1716. Of some of these 
children we only give a brief notice. Elijahf settled in Pem- 
broke. 

JVazareth was the wife of Benjamin Balch, (see Balch). 



* Deborah, daughter of John, jr., Esq. married Capt. John Briggs, jr., 
December 2, 17J2. Deborah Briggs, her daughter, (and the only one on 
record iiere), was baptized in the INorth Parish, February 20, 1714. She was 
the wife of Thomas Savage, E^q. of Boston, and the grandmotiier of Hon. 
James Savage. Siie died at Judge John Cushing's, when here on a visit, 
and her remains lie in the Gushing tomb, with those of an infant child, 
which was born and which expired on the same day of the motlier's death. 

t Elijah (son of John, jr., Esq.) settled in Pembroke. He married Eliza- 
beth Barker 1724. His sons were Elijah, Nathaniel, and Judge Joseph, and 
his daughters were Mary, wife of Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, Deborah, wife of 
Rev. Dr. Shute, Elizabetli, wife of Major Gushing, all of Hingham. The 
sons of Elijah, jr. were Elijah, who deceased at Natches, Thomas and Na- 
thaniel of Hanson. The sons of Nathaniel, 1st. were Nathaniel, Esq., Capt. 
Benjamin and Gharles. The son of Joseph (wiio was Judge of Probate 
many years) is Horatio, Esq. of Hanover. 

Nathaniel, Esq. was father of Dr. Ezekiel, who graduated at Harvard 
College 1808, was educated in the science of Medicine in Paris, practised 
several years in Boston, and deceased at Hanover 1827. He was highly- 
accomplished as a physician and a gentleman, and left few equals behind 
him. His brother George deceased at New Orleans : and Jiis brotiier Elijah 
resides in Hanson. 

Josiah (son of John, jr., Esq.) married Ruth Thomas 1738, and settled in 
Pembroke. The late Capt. Josiah was his son. 



256 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

JVathaniel graduated at Harvard College 1728 — married 
Mary Pemberton of Boston, 1729, and died one month 
afterward. 

John, 3d. resided at "Belle house" until 1743, when he 
built the mansion south-east of Walnut tree hill. He lived 
eighty-two years, having died 1778. He was a representative 
from Scituate 1721, and several succeeding years. He was 
Judge of Probate from 1738 to 1746 — Judge of the Superior 
Court from 1747 to 1771, when he resigned, and also a counsellor 
of the province, from 1746 to 1763, inclusively. He married 
Elizabeth Holmes, (of Boston, we believe), daughter of his fath- 
er's second wife, 1718, she died 1726. Children, Deborah 
born 1718, (wife of David Stockbridge, and mother of David, 
Esq.), Sarah born 1720, (not married). 

John, 4th. born 1722, who resided at Belle house, and whose 
sons, John removed to Berwick, Dea. Francis to INJaine, and 
Nathaniel deceased on the paternal estate, 1825. 

Nathaniel, (son of John, 3d.), born 1724, died early, as also 
William, born 1725, the last of the children of Elizabeth 
Holmes. The second wife of Judge John, 3d. was Mary 
Cotton, daughter of Josiah, Esq. of Plymouth, married 1729, 
whose children, Maiy born 1730, the wife of Rev. Ebenezer 
Gay of Suffield), William born March 1, 1732, and died Sep- 
tember 13, 1810. Charles born 1734, died 1810, Edward 
1736, died early, Hannah born 1738, (the wife of Rev. Sam- 
uel Baldwin of Hanover), Bcthia born 1740, (the wife of 
Abraham Burbank, Esq. of West Springfield), Lucy born 1745, 
(the wife of Thomas Aylwin, Esq. of Boston), Abigail born 
1748, died 1824, not married, Rowland born February 26, 
1750, died 1789. He graduated at Harvard College 1768, 
was bred to the law, practised several years at Pownalboro, 
Maine ; he left no family. He is remembered as a gentleman 
of distinguished talents, and remarkable for his personal beauty 
and gracefulness. 

Col. Charles born 1734, (as above noted), graduated at 
Harvard College 1755, was bred to the law, and was many 
years the Clerk of the Courts in Boston, and a gentleman 
worthy of his distinguished ancestors. His wife was Elizabeth, 
(sister of Gov. Sumner). His only son, Charles, Esq. resides 
at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and his daughters are the 
wives of Charles Paine, Henry Sheafe, Stephen Codman, and 
Elisha Doane, Esquires. 

William, LL. D. (son of John, 3d.) was prepared for the 
University under the care of Mr Richard Fitzgerald, a Latin 
schoolmaster in this vicinity. He graduated at Harvard College 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 257 

1751, and was educated for the bar under the care of the celebra- 
ted Jeremy Gridley of Boston, many years (previous to 1761) 
Attorney Gen. of the Province of Massachusetts. Recommen- 
ced practice at Povvnalboro, Maine, 1755, was Judge of Probate 
for the County of Lincohi in 1768 — appointed Judge of the 
Superior Court of Massachusetts, (under the crown), 1772, in 
which office he was the only member of the Bench that adhered 
to the American cause. At the re-organization of the Court, 
1777, he was appointed Chief Justice of that Court, in which 
office he laboured with great success in establishing our Judicial 
system on a firm basis. At the organization of the United 
States Government in 1789, he was selected by Washington 
for one of the Justices of the Court of the United States, in 
which office he eminently shone. During the mission of Chief 
Justice Jay, envoy extraordinary to the Court of Great Britain, 
Judge Cushing presided ; and after Judge Jay's resignation in 
1796, Judge Cushing was nominated to the Chief Justice's 
office, and unanimously confirmed by the senate : but notwith- 
standing this extraordinary expression of confidence, he de- 
clined the office on account of infirm health; but he continued 
on the bench until 1810, when he had prepared an instrument 
of resignation, but was called to resign life.* In person he was 
of middling stature, erect and graceful : of form rather slight, 
of complexion fair, of blue and brilliant eyes, and aquiline nose. 
His oratory was ready and flowing, but not of that overawing 
description with which some native orators of more fiery mould 
have transported audiences : but its excellence consisted in 
cool, deliberate judgment, and logical and lucid argumentation, 
which gave him eventually an advantage over those of more 
ardent temperament. As a Judge, he was eminently qualified 
by his learning, and not less by his unshaken integrity and 
deliberate temper. The writer of this notice first saw him on 
the bench in 1801, when his zenith brightness had probably 
abated, but he still remembers how forcibly his youthful mind 
was affected by the order and perspicuity with which he per- 
formed the duties of his high office, and the mild though 
commanding dignity with which he guided the bar. In private 
life, he was all that was amiable, always ready to instruct by 
useful discourse, and to make his friends happy by his cheer- 
fuhiess. He diligently collected works of taste, and (if we 

* See Appendix IV. 
33 



258 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



may judge by the numerous notes written with his own hand in 
margins) he read with the greatest care. He was a learned 
theologian — well acquainted with the controversies of the day, 
and though far from gathering heat in those controversies, he 
was conspicuously on the side of liberal Christianity. He used 
to speak ol his acquaintance Vv'ith Dr. Priestle}^, as a happy era 
of his life, and to read and talk of his works with approbation. 
In short, as an exemplary Christian, he was irreproachable, 
and as a publick character, he is universally acknowledged to 
have stood in the first rank of his countrymen, with Washington, 
and Adams, and Henry, and Jefferson, either in times of awful 
hazard, or in times of those prodigious civil labours, which laid 
the foundations of our country's policy. He left no children. 
He married Hannah Philips of Middletown, 1774, and this 
highly accomplished lady, who partook so largely in her hus- 
bands cares and journeyings, still survives. He resided south- 
east of Walnut ti-ee hill. 

We return to the children of the first John Cushing. His 
second son Thomas born 1663, settled in Boston. He was 
Ensign of the Ancient and Honorable artillery 1709, and was 
of his ]\iajesty's Council for several years. His son Thomas, 
born 1693, graduated at Harvard College 1711, resided in 
Boston. He was Speaker of the House of Representatives 
from 1742 to 1746, inclusively, when he deceased. And his 
son Thomas, graduated at Harvard College 1744, was the 
well remembered patriot in the Revolution — a member of the 
Congress at Philadelphia, 1774 — Commissary General from 
1775 to 1779, and Lieut. Governor from 1779 to 1788, when 
he deceased. 

IMatthew (son of John first) born 1665, and Jeremiah born 
1666, we believe, left no families. 

James born 1668, was several years Clerk of the Town of 
Scituate. He resided in the north parish. His son James 
married Sarah House 1710, and Lydia Barrell 1713, and 
settled at Cushing hill, as did his son James after him, whose 
daughter, Mrs. Lapham, resides at the same place. 

Joshua (sixth son of John first) born 1670, left no family. 
Sarah (daughter of John first) married Dea. David Jacob, 
1689, (son of John Jacob of Hingham). 

Cahh (son of John first) born 1672, graduated at Harvard 
College 1692, was ordained at Salisbury 1697, married Eliza- 
beth, daughter of Rev. John Cotton, (widow of Rev. James 
Ailing of Salisbury). Of his children we remark that James 
Avas minister of Plaistow, New Hampshire, and John, minister 



FAMILY SXETCHES. 259 

of Boxford, IMassachusetts.* Rev. Caleb died 1752. Hon. 
Caleb Cushing of Essex County, is his descendant — son of 
Judge Caleb. 

Mary (daughter of John first) born 1676, died single 1698. 

Deborah also born 1674, left no family, that we can trace. 

Joseph born 1677, married Mary Pickels 1710, and settled 
near Henchman's corner, three quarters of a mile west of the 
south Meeting-house. He was a deacon of the second Church, 
a Justice of the peace, and a venerable man. His only son, 
Dea. Joseph, (graduated at Harvard College 1721), succeeded 
him, married Lydia King 1732, and had fifteen children.* He 
was long employed as grammar schoolmaster, and was Justice 
of the peace. He prepared his own sons and several others 
for College. Of his children, we name George, who succeeded 
his father, and whose son George resides on the paternal spot._ 
Pickels, who inherited a part "of the estate of the family of 
Pickels, from the brother of his grandmother. Lemuel, who 
graduated at Harvard College 1767, was a surgeon in the 
thirteenth regiment Revolutionary army, and deceased 1779. 
Ahce, (the widow of Nathaniel Cushing), born 1756, now 



* Rev. John of Boxford liiid sons, Hon. John, who sniduated at Harvard 
College 17(j1, and who was a Judge and member of the Council many years. 
(His residence was Freeijort, JMaine), and Rev. Junies of North Haverhill. 
Rev. Giles Merrill was liis successor, and married his daughter. James C. 
Merrill, Esq. of B(jston, is his son. 

* The fifteen children of Dea. Joseph, jr. were as follows: Joseph born 
1733, George 173G, Mercy 173M, Nathan 1741, (died early). Judge Nathan 
1742, Pickels 1743, Hawlies 1744, Dr. Lemuel 174G, Thomas 1743, (died 
early), Thomas 1749, (died earlv), Caleb 1750, (died early), Nathaniel 1751, 
(died early), Deborah, 1732, (the wife of Jo^iah Cushing of Pembroke), Caleb 
1754, (died in middle life, single), Alice ]7.")4. 

We add to the notices of this family that George married Lydia, the 
daughter of James Cushing, and left children, Hannah, the widow of Perez 
Turner. George, (his successor), P^obert, late of Hull, Rachel, the wifeof Pick- 
els Cushing, jr., Mary, the wife of Dea. James Loring of Boston, and Lydia. 

Pjc/.e/s iriarrie<i Abigail Hatch 17ti8, and left sons Joseph, Pickels, jr., 
Bela, Charles, Martiii,'lloland, and daughters Lucy, Abigail, Sarah. 

Hawkes married Ruth Cushing, daughter of Josiah of Pembroke, 1770, 
and left children, Dea. TJiomas, wiio died 1S25, (a man whose amiable 
qualities were above all praise), Ruth, ]\L^jor Isaac, who deceased in Boston, 
Sarah, (wife of Samuel Waterman), Capt. Lemuel of Roxbury, Nancy, (wife 
of George Cushing, jr.), Clarissa, (wife of Dea. Joseph Stevens of Boston), 
and Charlotte, (the wife of Col. Vose of the United States' army). 

Jilke, the widow of Nathaniel Cushing, (who came from Hingham), had 
children Nathaniel, of Scituate, whose wife is Jane, daughter of Hayward 
Pierce, Esq. Deborah, (the late amiable consort of Mr John Nash), Betsey, 
Warren of New Bedford, Samuel, late of Boston, Mary, (the wife of Bela 
Cushing, late of Boston), and Chauncy, who died at nineteen, in 1813. 

Dea. Joseph, jr. educated three sons at Harvard College, viz. Joseph 
graduated 1752, and died early, Judge Nathan and Dr. Lemuel mentioned 
before. 



260 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

survives, and Judge Nathan, born September 24, 1742, grad- 
uated at Harvard College 1763. He was at first a preacher, 
and afterward a lawyer. In 1776, he was appointed Judge of 
admiralty, and with great firmness condemned the captured 
British vessels, which brought him into notoriety as a patriot. 
He was appointed Judge of the Supreme Court in 1789, in 
which office he continued until 1801, when he resigned. He 
was afterward a Counsellor of the State. He was a gentleman 
of noble form, commanding countenance and courteous manners ; 
distinguished more for solid judgment and discretion than for 
eloquence. He deceased 1812. 

He married Abigail Tilden 1777, the daughter of Christo- 
pher Tilden, Esq. of Boston. That highly accomplished lady 
deceased 1810: They had three children, Abigail, ihe w'lk 
of Hon. Cushing Otis. Christopher, Esq. graduated at Harvard 
College 1794 — married Lucy Nichols of Scituate, 1817, and 
deceased 1819 : His widow married Hon. Wilkes Wood of 
Middleboro, 1828. And Frances, the wife of Capt. Lemuel 
Cushing of Roxbury. 

The residence of Judge Nathan Cushing was at the east foot 
of little Hoop-pole hill, three fourths of a mile west of the south 
Meeting-house. 

Benjamin, the last son of John first, born 1679, settled in 
Boston. He was a member of the Honorable Artillery 1700, 
and at that time Lieutenant in another corps. We have not 
learned that he left any family. 

RICHARD DAGAN 

had lands in the Conihassett as early as 1 690, by purchase of 
the family of Jackson, in the right of Richard Sealis. His 
farm was west of "cedar swamp cart way," and adjoining 
Bound brook. His house was near to John Sutton's and John 
Booth's, being on the west side of the way, a few rods south 
of Booth hill. He sold to John Booth, jr. 1696, and removed, 
we know not whither. Two children were born here. Eliza- 
beth 1693, and Thomas 1694. 

JOHN DAMAN, 

with his sister Hannah, came into Scituate before 1633. They 
were then minors, and under the guardianship of Mr WilUam 
Gillson, their uncle. We understand that they were very young 
at that time, from the circumstance, that having been made the 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 261 

heirs of Mr Gillson, they were not established in their inher- 
itance by the Court until 1649. "John and Hannah Daman 
are allowed by the Court to be lawful heirs of William Gillson, 
it being proved by diverse persons that Gillson had often said 
that he intended to make these (his sister's children) his heirs." 
(Colony Records, 1649). John Daman succeeded to the 
residence of his uncle, on Kent street, the second lot from 
Satuit brook, (Edward Foster's being the first). He mar- 
ried Katharine, daughter of Henry Merritt, 1644, whose 
children were Deborah born 1645, John 1647, Zachary 
1649, (died early), Mary 1651, Daniel 1652, Zachary 1654: 
and, by a second wife, Martha Howland of Plymouth, married 
1659, his children were Experience (a son) born 1662, Silence 
1663, Ebenezer 1665, Ichabod 1668, Margaret 1670, Han- 
nah 1672. 

John Daman died in 1677. His widow Martha executrix. 
In the division of his estate John, Experience and Ichabod are 
named, and also Ebenezer, "a weake childe," (whose land was 
ordered to be improved by Peter and Martha, his mother and 
father-in-law), also Silence, Martha, Hannah and Margaret — 
also Daniel. These were living 1679. Martha, the widow, 
had married Peter Bacon of Taunton : We notice also in the 
Town records of 1680, that "they instructed their deputies to 
move the Court for a rehearing touching the land of Ebenezer 
Daman being ordered to be improved by Peter Bacon, lest the 
child be outed of his inheritance." The Court, however, did 
not order a rehearing. 

Of these sons, John was a soldier in Philip's war, and re- 
ceived a grant of land for his services, 1676: but we find no 
record of a family. Lieut. Zachary was also an officer in 
Philip's war, and received lands. He married Martha Wood- 
worth 1679, and left a numerous family. He died 1730, aged 
seventy-six. His son Zachary settled on the lands granted to 
Lieut. Zachary for services in the war, north of Symon's hill. 
His house was near the spot now occupied by that of Deacon 
Joshua Jacob. He married Mehitabel Chittenden 1711. 
Daniel, his brother, married Jemima Stetson 1721, and settled 
near him on the same side of the way. Daniel, his son, born 
1716, (by a first wife), was a man of distinction, often employed 
in the business of the Town, and also a representative. The 
posterity of this family remain in that neighborhood. That of 
Zachary, 3d. (whose wife was the daughter of Rev. Mr Eells), 
are also in the Town, viz. the families of Edward and Galen, 
late deceased. 



262 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Experience (son of John, sen.) lived near Pincin hill; he 
had a son Experience, and a grandson Selh. Ichabod also 
had a family — a son Ichabod, and grandsons Israel, Caleb, 
Ichabod and Reuben. Some of this family removed to Ches- 
terfield, as we have been told, viz. Ichabod last named. 



JAMES DAVIS 

was in Scituate 1673, when he had lands in the Conihassett 
laid out. He married Elizabeth, daughter of William Randall, 
and removed to Boston. 



TRISTAM DAVIS, 

son of Robert of Yarmouth, born 1654, was in Scituate 1695. 
He married Sarah Archer of Braintree, 1694. His daughter 
Elizabeth was born 1695; from which dale the family disap- 
pears from our records : save that Hannah Davis of Scituate, 
married John Hatch, jr. 1709, whom we suppose to have been 
his daughter. 

JONAS DEANE 

was in Scituate 1690. He undoubtedly came from Taunton 
in England, as he is frequently styled Taunton Deane. He 
first possessed the land on the west of the brook now called 
Taunton Deane brook. His house was near where stands that 
of late John Daman. His children were Thomas born 1691, 
and Ephraim 1 694. He deceased 1697, and his widow Eunice 
marri'id (1701) Dea. James Torrey, Town Clerk. 



BENJAMIN DELANO 

was a descendant of Philip De La Noye,* who was born in 
England, 1602, came to Plymouth in the ship Fortune, 1621, 
married Hester Dewsbury 1634, and Mary, widow of James 



* In our researches, we often find cause to regret the changes in the 
orthography of some early names. Thus, Bonpasse is unfortunately changed 
to Bumpus — Blancpicd to Blumpy — Jaquus to Juuke'.t — iioncevalles to 
Rounseval — Piucin to Pinchin and Pynchon. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 263 

Glass of Duxbury, (and daughter of James Churchill), 1657. 
Benjamin Delano came from Pembroke, 1770. His place of 
residence was on the east side of the road, and north side of 
Dwelley creek brook, on an ancient seat of the Dwelleys. He 
conducted the business of ship budding for forty years, at the 
ancient Wanton's ship-yard. He married jNIary, daughter of 
William Brooks, 1774. His children were WiUiamhorn 1775, 
who conducted the business of ship building with great spirit. 
He married Sarah Hart of Boston, and deceased 1814, leaving 
three sons and four daughters. 

Mary born 177G, (the second wife of Rev. Elijah Leonard 
of Marshfkld). 

Sarah born 1782, (the wife of Samuel Foster, who resides 
on the paternal spot). 



SIMON DELIS, 

"a member of the French Protestant Church in Boston," was 
in Scituate 1716, and several years subsequently. He married 
Eunice, daughter of Anthony Dodson, 1717. 



THOMAS DIMMICK 

was a freeman in Scituate 1639. We believe he was at 
Hingham a year earlier. He removed to Barnstable, 1642, 
where he had a family. Capt. Dimmick was his son, who 
was kdled by the Indians in a battle at Casco Bay, 1697. 



ANTHONY DODSON 

was in Scituate 1650. He married Mary, the daughter of 
John Williams, sen. 1651. His land was on the east of John 
Cowen's, and his house near where the house of late Row- 
land Litchfield stands. He had Conihassett lands in the right 
of John Williams, and was much employed as a surveyor, by 
the partners. His children were Sarah born 1652, Gershom 
1653, Mary 1656, Jonathan 1659, Patience, Bethia and Eunice. 
Sarah married Thomas Stetson 1671, Margaret married 
Nathaniel Tilden 1693, IMary married John Booth, jr.. Patience 
married John Pierce, Bethia and Eunice living single 1695, 
when their mother deceased, and named them in her will. 



264 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Gershom was one of the unfortunate men who fell with Capt. 
Pierce in the Rehoboth battle, 1676. 

Jonathan married Abigail, daughter of Matthew Gannett, 
and left a family, viz. Jonathan, Anthony, Deborah, Mary, 
Sarah, Hannah and Gershom, born from 1695 to 1704. This 
family name has long since been extinct in this Town. 



Capt. JOHN DOGGET, born 1730, 

kept Doggett's ferry (now Little's Bridge) 1755, and subse- 
quently. He married Abigail House 1748. His son Abner 
born 1749. His father had kept the ferry in 1730. He was 
also Capt. John, a mariner, and had another son David born 
1734. The descendants may be in Middleboro. Capt. John 
Doggett, sen. married Jemima, the daughter of "Mr Lawyer 
Thomas Turner," as he is often denominated in our records. 
His first ancestor in this country was Thomas Doggett of 
Marshfield, who married Mary Chillingworth 1654. He had 
sons Samuel and John, the father of the first Capt. John. He 
had also a brother John in Marshfield. 



JAMES DOUGHTY 

was early in this Town, having married Lydia, daughter of 
Humphry Turner, 1649. His children were Mary, James, 
Elizabeth, Martha, Lydia, Sarah, Samuel, Robert, and Susanna, 
born from 1650 to 1670. He was a soldier in Philip's war, 
and 1678, was paid by the Town for nine weeks' campaign in 
1676. This family may have removed to Connecticut, where 
the name is extant. 



DAVID DUNBAR 

was born in Halifax, 1734. He was son of Joseph, who was 
son of David of Hingham — David, sen. had other sons, viz. 
David, who married Bathshua Stodder of Scituate, 1728, and 
lived near Accord pond in Hingham, and Samuel Dunbar, the 
father of late James Stockbridge's wife, of mount Blue in 
Schuate. 

David Dunbar of Scituate married Margaret Bennet 1756. 
His children, David born 1756, who married Elizabeth Ellmes 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 265 

1779, Jesse 1760, Ellsha 1762, Bennet 1766, Reuben and 
Lucy 1769. Of these sons, Jesse, Esq., who married Sally 
Widierell 1785, is now living at the harbour ; his mansion at 
the head of Wilham James's dock. He has been enterprizing 
in navigation and the fisheries. He has been frequently a 
representative in General Court, and was a member of the 
Convention for revising the State Constitution, 1820. 

His son Jesse Dunbar, jr. Esq., also a representative and a 
useful man, deceased in 1830, greatly lamented. He left no 
family. His two sisters are, the wife of Capt. Webb, and 
Sarah — John deceased single 1820. 



BENJAMIN DUNBAR, 

we believe from Hinghara, also has left descendants in the 
north Parish. His sons were Seth, Elisha, Obed, Ezekiel, 
Amos, Melzer, and Peleg, born from 1737 to 1755. 



RICHARD DWELLEY 

was in Scituate 1665, or earlier, probably the same that was in 
Lancaster 1654, and in Hingham a few years afterward. His 
farm was on the road leading from the third Herring brook to 
the harbour, about one mile north of said brook, and his house 
stood where stands the house of Capt. Seth Foster, late de- 
ceased. In 1676, he was a soldier in Philip's war, and 
received a grant of land for his services, between Cornet's mill 
and the Plymouth road. He had meadow land at Till's creek, 
which subsequently is known as Dwelley's creek. He died 1692. 
There is no record of his family here. Mary was baptized 
in Hingham, (see Hobart's journal), 1664. Richard his son 
married Eamie Glass, daughter of Roger Glass of Duxbury, 
1682, and Elizabeth Simons 1690, and died 1708, leaving 
sons Richard, Joshua, Samuel, and daughters Mary, Elizabeth, 
Ruth, Lydia, Margaret, born from 1684 to 1696. 

Richard his son married Grace Turner 1712, and left a family. 

Samuel, son of Richard, sen. died in Phipp's expedition to 
Canada, 1690. 

John (son of Richard, sen.) married Rachel Buck, daughter 
of Cornet John Buck, 1693, and left fifteen children, princi- 
pally in Hanover. His daughter Thankful, born 1706, married 
William Fobes of West Bridgewater. 
34 



266 FAMILY SKETCHES. 



EDMUND EDENDEN 

was freeman 1641. In 1G43, "granted by the Freemen to 
Edmund Edenden six acres of marsh in the long marsh on 
that end of the marsh next the Town." He removed to Bos- 
ton, probably, as we notice his name as witness to Thomas 
Weyborne's will at Boston, 1656. 



RHODOLPHUS ELLMES 

was one of the Conihassett partners 1646. His farm was 
between Gowen White's (afterward Timothy White's) and Man 
hill. His aged and respectable descendant Robert Ellmes 
occupies the paternal spot. The first house in that place was 
built by Thomas Tart, and sold to Rhodolphus Ellmes 1659. 
His wife was Catharine, the daughter of John Whitcomb, 1644. 
His children, Sarah born 1645, Mary 1648, Joanna 1651, 
Hannah 1653, John 1655, Joseph 1658, Waitstill 1660, Jona- 
than 1663, Rhodolphus 1668. Some of this family went to 
Middleboro, Rhodolphus and perhaps others. Jonathan settled 
between Great swamp and mount Hope, which farm has been 
since occupied by his son Joseph, born 1701 : and Joseph, son 
of the latter, born 1732, and died 1821 — and his son Nathan- 
iel — and now by Thomas and Nathaniel sons of Nathaniel, 
who are the fourth generation on that place. The relict of 
Joseph who died 1821, is now living, more than ninety years 
of age. Her name was Lincoln, (see Lincoln). Joseph his 
father married EHzabeth Sutton 1731. 



THOMAS ENSIGN 

purchased the third cliff of Mr Hatherly 1640, also Mr James 
Cudworth's house, and five acres adjoining the bridge, on the 
north, at the Harbour, 1642. He was one of the Conihassett 
partnei-s, 1646. He married Eliz. Wilder of Hingham, 1638. 
Thomas, sen. deceased in 1663, and John administered. 
Hannah married Thomas Shepherd of Cambridge or Charles- 
town. Elizabeth married Nicholas Wade. 

John succeeded to his father's mansion. He had lost his 
wife before 1676, and had but one daughter, Hannah, bora 



• FAMILY SKETCHES. 267 

1669. She married Capt. Stephen Otis 1685, the ancestor of 
the distinguished physicians of the name of Otis in Scituate and 
Bridgewater. Ensign Otis (three of the name) occupied the 
original Ensign house lot. 

John Ensign went out with Capt. Michael Pierce 1676, and 
was one of the heroes that fell in the Rehoboth battle. 

His will, dated March 1676, was signed and witnessed on 
the eve of their march. We subjoin an extract. 

"Being to go forth in the present Expedition against the 
barbarous Natives, I commit my soul to the hands of God my 
Creator : and I give to my mother Elizabeth all the lands which 
my father gave me in his will dated 1663, during her life — and 
afterward the same to my daughter Hannah — To my sister 
Hannah Shepherd's son Thomas Shepherd, jr. 20 acres of land 
next to Isaac Chittenden's. To sister Elizabeth Wade's son 
Jacob, the 1st cliff, he to pay his sister 10£, and his brother 
Joseph 5£. — To Sarah Underwood two cows." 



HENRY EWELL 

was a soldier in 1G37, in the Pequod war, and was freeman 1638 : 
removed to Barnstable 1640, and returned before 1647. His 
farm was on the east side of Walnut tree hill. The stately 
black walnut tree that was felled a few years since at the turn- 
ing of the road between Judge W. Cushing's mansion and farm 
house, marks the place of Ewell's house. This house was 
burnt by the Indians 1676, and another erected on the spot. 
His wife was Sarah Annable, 1638. The children born in 
Scituate were Hannah 1649, Gershom 1650, Bethia 165^3, 
Ichabod 1659, Deborah 1663. Beside these he had several 
children born at Barnstable. John, his eldest son, lived in Bos- 
ton. There is a letter of attorney in the Colony records, 1687, 
"from Mary, the daughter of late John Ewell of Boston, to her 
uncle Ichabod of Scituate, authorizing him to settle her claims 
to the estate of her grandmother Sarah Ewell." John died in 
Newbury, 1686. Gershom in 1680, had a share in Conihas- 
sett land (by purchase) in the right of John Hoar of Concord. 
The lands at a place then called Cold spring, (now Dea. Seth 
Merritt's), were first owned by him. His son John resided at 
that place after him : and John his son removed to Chesterfield. 
Ichahod lived at the paternal farm. His sons settled in 
Marshfield. 



268 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



The will of Henry Ewell, dated 1681, gives legacies "to 
wife Sarah — to son Gcrslioin and Ichabod — to daughters 
Sarah Northey, and Hannah, Eunice and Deborah Ewell. And 
wheras my daughter Sarah Northey had received a legacy 
formerly from goody Woodfield, viz. a cow and some movea- 
bles, my will is that the legacy be made good to her, except 
what goods were burnt, when my house was burnt by the 
Indians." 



BENJAMIN FARROW 

was in Scituate 1 720. He was the son of John Farrow of 
Hingham, who married Persis Holbrook of Scituate, 1696. 
Benjamin resided near the Ridge hill, south of Valley swamp, 
on the Plymouth road, where his grandson Capt. Abiel Farrow 
resides. His children were Thomas born 1721, who succeed- 
ed to the paternal residence, (the father of Capt. Abiel), Sarah 
born 1722, Benjamin, Tamar, (wife of Carryl), Christiana, 
(wife of David Foster), Leah, (wife of Samuel Hatch, an itin- 
erant Baptist preacher, and father of Col. Israel Hatch of 
Attlcboro), Capt. Abiel, the ingenious agriculturist who lives 
on the paternal farm, has several sons, viz. Abiel, Rufus, James, 
Benjamin, in Scituate, and one in New York.* 



JONATHAN FISH 

was the first of the name in this Town : he came from Sand- 
wich. His residence was near the training field, one mile south 
of tjie Harbour. His children, Jonathan born 1744, Mary 1747, 
Nathaniel 1749, (died 1831). He married Mary Merritt 1743. 



RICHARD FITZGERALD, 

a veteran Latin schoolmaster, resided principally in Hanover, 
He married Margaret Snowdon of Scituate, 1729. Of the 
family of Snowdon we have few traces. 



* Jolin Farrow, sen. was in Hingliam 1G3G, tlie common ancestor of tin; 
people of this name. Ho lived to a great age, " Old John Furrow died 
J()78," Hoharfd journal. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 269 



EDWARD FITZRANDLE 

resided in Scituate from 1638 to 1649. He probably went 
to Georgiana. 

JOHN FLOYD 

was in Scituate 1640. He purchased of Mr Hatherly the 
house that Samuel Hinckley left 1639, on Kent street. In 
1653, he was a merchant in Boston, at which date we find the 
town of Scituate bartered with him, "boards for powder." He 
was afterward in England, and probably the same John Floyd 
who promoted the Society for propagating the Gospel among 
the Indians in New England. He had a son Nathaniel born 
1658. There was also Richard Floyd in England, who was 
probably brother of John. 



PELEG FORD, 

from Marshfield, had lands in Scituate, near the Harbour. 
His daughter Hannah born 1717. He sold his lauds to Ensign 
Otis 1720. 

Dr. Peleg Ford, some time a physician of enterprize in 
Scituate, and who died rather young in 1813, was of Marsh- 
field. His residence was at the ancient Stedman place, (see 
Stedman). His widow (who was sister of Dr. Elisha James) 
and children survive. 



jNIICHAEL FORD (shipwright), 

(a descendant of William of Marshfield, the common ancestor), 
came into Scituate from Marshfield, and married Rhoda Cope- 
land 1778. He purchased the farm of Ebenezer Stetson, a 
part of the original plantation of the venerable Cornet Stetson, 
a half mile above Cornet's rocks on the North river. His 
widow and children survive. His son Michael conducts the 
business of ship-building near the mouth of the second Herring 
brook. James resides in Medford — there are also daughters. 
William Ford, the common ancestor of this family, was born 
in England in 1594. He settled on the east side of the North 



270 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

river, in Marshfield, near " Gravelly beach," before 1640. He 
died 1G76. We have had little opportunity of taking notes of 
his family. We can state, however, that his eldest son William 
married Sarah Dingley 1658, and had children, John born 
1659, Mercy 1662, Josiah 1664: also that his second son 
Michael married Abigail, daughter of Anthony Snow, 1667, 
and Bethia Hatch 1683. His children were Lydia born 1668, 
Hannah 1670, William 1672, (whose son Samuel was born 
1701), James 1675, Abigail 1679, Patience 1682, (twin 
daughters 1683), Thomas 1685, (whose son Amos was born 
1714), Susanna 1689, Bethia 1691, Ephraim 1693, EKzabeth 
1694, Elisha 1696. 

James (son of Michael) married Hannah Dingley 1698, and 
had children, Hannah born 1705, Michael 1710, and probably 
others. The latter had a son James, who was the father of 
Michael, the first of the family in Scituate, at the head of this 
article. 

EDWARD FOSTER, Lawyer, 

was one of the men of Kent, and settled in Kent street, at the 
corner near Satuit brook, (now Capt. Webb's), 1633. He 
was freeman 1636. He had also sixty acres on the North 
river, between Annable's lot and Humphry Turner's lot, (now 
owned by John and Timothy Foster, near King's landing). 
Timothy, his only son, was born 1640, Elizabeth 1645, (mar- 
ried Ephraim Hewitt of Hull, we believe, 1666). Timothy 
sold a part of his house lot to Edward Jenkins, 1662, and 
removed to Dorchester, but retained the farm at North river. 
He sold the west part of the house lot and the house at the 
Harbour, to John Allen 1679. 

The children of Timothy Foster born at Dorchester were 
Ruth born 1664, Elizabeth 1667, Naomi 1668, Hatherly 1671, 
Rebecca 1675, Timothy 1681, Edward 1682, Thomas 1686, 
Elizabeth 1688. Of these children we trace Edward, who 
married Jemima, the daughter of Jonathan Turner of Scituate, 
1705, and resided in Dorchester. His daughter was the 
grandmother of Edward Foster Jacob, Esq. of Scituate. 

Dea. Hatherly Foster was in Scituate 1698, when he married 
Bathshua, the daughter of Joseph Turner, and setded on the 
farm at North river. The house in which his great grandson 
Timothy now resides, was built 1697, and is now in good 
repair. His children were Margaret born 1699, Joseph 1702, 
Ruth 1704, (wife of Richard Turner 1735), Timothy 1706, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 271 

Elisha 1708, John 1711, Elizabeth 1721, wife of Joshua 
Barstow of Hanover, 1741. 

Joseph married Abigail Steel 1733. His children were 
Margaret born 1734, Hatherly 1737, Abigail 1738, Elizabeth 
1741, Joseph 1742, Timothy 1744, Steel 1750. This family 
removed to Topsham, Maine. A daughter of Steel Foster is 
the wife of Peter Green, Esq. high sheriff. 

Dea. Elisha (son of Dea. Hatherly) married Temperance 
Freeman of Harwich, 1739. Children, John born 1740, 
Bathsbua 1742, Elisha 1745, Temperance 1747, wife of Dea. 
Francis Gushing, who removed to Maine: Sarah 1749, first 
wife of Dea. Elisha James : Mary 1751, wife of Elijah Turner, 
Esq. : Ruth 1754, wife of Nathaniel Ghittenden, and second 
wife of Dea. Elisha James. 

John (son of Dea. Elisha) married Sarah Jacob 1765 — 
children, Abigail born 1766, wife of Elisha Briggs : John 1768, 
who resides on the land laid out to Edward in 1636, Jacob 
1770, of Roxbury, Joseph 1772, of Roxbury, Timothy 1775, 
who resides also on the lands of Edward 1636, Sarah 1778, 
Josiah 1780, of Roxbury. 

Elisha, son of Dea. Elisha, married Grace Barstow of Han- 
over, 1769. Children, Capt. Seth 1770, an enterprising ship- 
wright and valuable man, who deceased 1826, leaving a family ; 
Margaret 1772, wife of Capt. Samuel Tilden, Capt. Elisha 
1775, Dr. Freeman 1777, Samuel 1779, Charles 1781, Tem- 
perance 1782, died early, Daniel 1787, Walter 1789. 

It may be proper to add some further notices of Edward 
Foster. We notice in the records Lettice Foster married to 
Samuel Thompkins, 1639, (of Bridgewater afterwards). This 
was doubtless Edward Foster's sister. It appears also that his 
mother had married Dea. Richard Sealis, probably before they 
came from England. Her name was Eglin Hatherly, the sister 
of the venerable Timothy Hatherly. She was first married to a 
Mr Hanford, then to Edward Foster's father, and a third time 
to Dea. Sealis. Edward Foster had also a sister who married 
Isaac Robinson, the son of the founder of Congregationalism. 
Edward Foster had practised law, we believe in England, and 
is named as a Lawyer in the Town records. He was (with 
Anthony Annable) deputy to the first Colony Court, 1639. 
He was constantly employed in publick afiairs, and doubtless 
would have risen to importance, had he not died early.* His 
will, dated 1644, gives "To wife Lettice all my cattle and 

* He was an assistant 1637, and deputy 1639. 



272 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

moveable goods, (except my books, which are to be my son 
Timothy's), and also the use of my house and three parcels of 
land, viz. at the North River — at the 2d Cliff — and at Satuit 
brook, until Timothy come of age. To son Timothy one third 
of all my property at 21 years of age. To an infant yet unborn 
another 3d part, whether male or female, at 21 years of age. 
Timothy Hatherly, Father Richard Sealis, Edmund Edenden, 
and brother Isaac Robinson to hold the same in trust." 

By way of illustrating the connexion of these families we add 
an extract from the Colony records, Anno 1666 : "Mr Thomas 
Hanford, Pastor of Norvvalk, Con. being the only son of Eglin 
Sealis, the sister of Mr Timothy Hatherly, relinquishes his 
claim to the estate of his uncle Mr Hatherly for the considera- 
tion of 20£, to Nathaniel and John, sons of Dea. Joseph 
Tilden." 

RICHARD FOXWELL, 

a man of Kent, settled in Kent street 1634, on the fourth lot 
south of Meeting-house lane. He had meadow also at New 
Harbour marshes. In 1643, he was in Barnstable, and we 
hear of him at Georgiana, 1646. But he died at Barnstable, 
1668, intestate: Hugh Cole and Samuel Bacon administrators. 
His children born in Scituate were Mary 1635, (wife of Hugh 
Cole 1656), Martha born 1638, (wife of Samuel Bacon 1659), 
and Ruth born 1641. In 1659, Richard Foxwell, John Phil- 
ips, George Lewis, Henry Josselyn, Robert Jordan, Francis 
Neal and others, gave in an acknowledgment that they belonged 
to the Jurisdiction of Massachusetts, (Colony Records). They 
resided occasionally in Georgiana, and the country between 
Portsmouth and the Kennebec. 



SAMUEL FULLER, 

a man of Kent, was freeman 1634. His house was on Green 
field, 1635, the first lot abutting on Kent street. He also had 
twenty acres on the east of Belle house neck, afterward Peter 
Collamore's. He was doubtless one of the company of the 
Mayflower, and came with his uncle Dr. Samuel Fuller, 1620. 

Samuel Fuller left no family here ; he went to Barnstable, 
where he died 1683. He was in Plymouth 1638. 

We notice in the Colony records, the will of that Dr. Samuel 
Fuller, who made himself so useful to both Plymouth and 



FAMILY SKETCHE?. 273 

Massachusetts Colonies in their early times; it bears date 1G38, 
and gives "To my son Samuel my house at Smelt River, 
(and farm). Also my cousin Samuel shall be allowed to go 
freely away with a certain stock of swine and cattle which he 
was allowed to call his own." His cousin Samuel was said in 
his will to be " then in his house." There was a Samuel Ful- 
ler, who died at Rehoboth, 1677. Robert Fuller and Nicholas 
Ide administrators. This rnav have been Dr. Fuller's son. 



MATTHEW GANNETT 

was born in England, 1618. He settled first in Hingham, 
from whence he came to Scituate, 1651, when he purchased a 
half share of the Conihassett lands of Anna Vinal. His house 
was at the west end of the dam at Lincoln's mills, near where 
Capt. Wallis's now stands, but within the line of Scituate. He 
had a brother Thomas at Bridgewater, who died 1655, and 
left Matthew a legacy of lands in Bridgewater, (Colony Rec.) 
Matthew had two sons, Matthew and Joseph. Matthew, jr. erect- 
ed a house a few rods north and near his father's, 1675. He 
also had two sons, Matthew and Joseph. The former of whom, 
Matthew 3d. married Mary Chapin 1712, and left sons Mat- 
thew, Seth (who died early) and Samuel, born from 1712 to 
1721. Joseph, son of Matthew, sen." married widow Sharp, 
(who had before one son, Benoni Sharp). His children, 
Hannah born 1684, Joseph 1686, Matthew 1688, (who married 
Mary Bacon 1708), Deborah 1690, Joseph 1693. Of these 
Joseph and Matthew settled in Bridgewater, from \vhom are 
derived the respectable families of the name there, as also at 
Boston and Cambridge. 

Matthew Gannett, sen. died 1695. His will dated 1694, 
gives legacies "to "wife Hannah — to sons Matthew and Reho- 
both Gannett — to daughters Hannah Adams, Abigail Dodson, 
Elizabeth Leavitt. To grand daughter Esther Palmer — To 
the sons of my son Joseph, deceased, (IMatthew and Joseph), 
all my right to undivided land in Bridgewater." Rehoboth 
Gannett deceased in Morristown, New Jersey, and left no 
children. Samuel married Sarah Cole, and his sons Samuel 
and Joseph are Hving in Scituate. Matthew (son of Matthew, 
3d.) had sons in Vermont, Prince and Amos — and Elkanah 
oi Scituate. 

35 



274 FAMILY SKETCHES. 



SAMUEL GARDNER 

was in Scituate 1707. His house was west of Margaret's 
brook. He married Lydia Oldhain 1707. His son William 
succeeded liim. 



Dea. RICHARD GARRETT 

was a householder before 1646. He was the first Town Clerk, 
1636, also clerk of the Conihassett partners ten years, though 
not a partner himself, being a skillful penman. His land was 
nearly in front of the north or first Society's Meeting-house, as 
it now stands, which was probably his house lot. Also east of 
Eagle's nest swamp, where his sons John and Joseph settled. 

He married Lydia, the daughter of Elder Nathaniel Tilden. 
His children, Joseph born 1648, John 1651, Mary 1655, 
Richard 1659, (who married Persis Pierce, daughter of Capt. 
Michael Pierce, 1695). 

Joseph had one son, Joseph born 1680, and four daughters. 
His wife was Ruth, daughter of Lieut. Isaac Buck. Joseph 
was a soldier in Philiji's war. 

John had one son, Richard born 1689. 

Richard, jr. had one son, John born 1706, and two daugh- 
ters, Anna and Deborah. 

We find no record or note of the death of Richard, sen. 
He may have deceased in Boston, where we observe the record 
of the death of a Richard Garrett, 1662. He is supposed to 
have been the son of that Capt. Richard Garrett whose loss is 
described in Winthrop's journal, (Vol. I. 39.), and brother of 
Capt. Robert Garrett of Boston, whose will dated 1660, is as 
follows: "Being bound on a voyage to Barbadoes, Sic. I give 
to my wife Mary my house in Boston, to my children John, 
Robert, Mary and Sarah, the rest of my estate to be equally 
divided." 

Joseph Garrett, the son of Dea. Richard, died at Scituate, 
1714. His will bequeathes "to wife Ruth, to daughters Ruth 
Wade, Mary Briggs, Elizabeth Briggs, and Jael Garrett, 
(certain legacies), to son Joseph Garrett two tenths of a thousand 
acres, which Mr John Saffin gave me." 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 275 



JOHN GIBBS 



was in Scituate 1719, when his daughter Ann was born. John 
his son had a son, John born 1760. 

Mr WILLIAM GILLSON 

settled in Kent street, 1633. His house lot was the second 
from the corner, near the bridge. He had land also at the 
north-east end of the second cliff, and also a lot on the south- 
east end of third cliff, where he erected a wind mill, 1636, 
the earliest mill in the Plantation if not in the Colony.* He 
had a lot of eighty acres upland and marsh, from " stoney cove 
eastward," on North river, in which lot he was succeeded hy 
several purchasers, Thomas Robinson the west part 1640, 
Thomas Nichols the centre 1645, Israel Hobart east part some- 
what later. We observe an act of Court respecting his mill, 
1637 : "It is enacted that the miller of Scituate shall not take 
above the twelfth part for the toul of grindinge corne." We 
observe also that he was a contractor (with others) at a 
very early date to improve the navigable passage at Green's 
Harbour, near Gov. Winslow's in Marshfield, (then called 
Rexham). Colony records 1633, "It is ordered that unless 
Mr Gillson, John Shaw and others, that undertook the cutting 
of the passage between Green's Harbour and the Bay, finish it 
before October next ensuing, according to covenant, they be 
amerced in 10£." He was an assistant in the government 
from 1633 to 1638, excepting 1635. He is noticed in all 
the transactions of those times as a man of education and 
talents : but he died early. His will dated 1639, gives legacies 
" to my wife Frances, he. to nephew John Daman my lot on 
the third cliff after the next crop is taken off — To niece Han- 
nah Daman 20£ in money. To nephew Daniel Romeball 40s 
money — to my Pastor Mr John Lothrop 5£ in money." He 
left no children. After the decease of his widow 1649, John 
and Hannah Daman were made the sole heirs of the estate, 
(see Daman). 

JOHN GRANGER 

was in Scituate 1640, or earlier. His farm was south of the 
training field, and north-east of Hick's swamp, John Whiston's 

* Stephen Deane erected a mill for pounding corn in Plymouth IGI32. 
Gilison's was the first grinding mill in the Colony. 



276 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

being on the north. These lands were Peter WorthUke's 1660, 
and Joseph Colman's 1690. He left no family here. Grace 
Granger, a widow, who seems to have owned a farm near the 
mouth of North river, on the Marshfield side, in 1648, was his 
widow. She deceased 1648, and gives in her will, "To son 
John my house and land, also a share of Conihassett land to 
indemnify him for 10£ of his money in England, which has 
been paid for land here — also a saw, broad axe and narrow 
axe at 21 years of age. To daughter Elizabeth a bed and 
bedding — also one heifer with the increase — also one great 
mortar and pestle, and one great kettle." This son may have 
gone to Connecticut. There was a Launcelot Granger in 
Ipswich 1648 : also John, of Andover, at the same time. 

THOMAS GRAY 

(called of Dublin) owned a tract of land in Scituate, on the 
south of Cordwood hill, in 1730. His house stood a half mile 
south of that hill, at a small eminence, now well known by the 
name of Gray's hill. The name of his wife was Sarah. His 
children were George born 1730, who removed to Pownalboro, 
Maine. He died early, and left, we believe, no family. He 
was about to be married to Sarah Woodworth, afterward the 
wife of Shearjashub Bourn, the son of Rev. Mr Bourn of 
Scituate. 

William born 1732, married Abigail Perry of Scituate, 1753, 
and Sarah Hayden 1765: he is then called of Boston. He 
had three children. Lucy, who married Mr Lane of Cohassett, 
Abigail, who married Dwelley Clap of Scituate, and James, 
who resided some time in Hingham, but who settled in Scituate, 
and married Bethia Curtis 1785. He died in middle life, 
leaving children, Abigail, (wife of Mr Dunbar), William, who 
died at Amelia island without a family. Harrison, bookseller, 
of the firm of Hilliard, Gray and Co., Boston — Bethia, (wife 
of Thomas Simmons), Rebeccd and Elizabeth (died early). 

Elizabeth, (daughter of Thomas), born 1736, was the wife 
of Samuel Brooks of Hanover, and died 1830. Sarah horn. 
1738, died single 1827. Mary born 1740, died single 1827. 

JOSEPH GREEN 

was in Scituate 1690. He married Ann, daughter of John 
Turner, jr. in 1695, he is called in our records " of Weymouth." 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 277 



EDMUND GROSS, 

from Hingham, was in Scituate 1730. His farm was west of 
Simon's hill, on the road from Assinippi to Prospect hill. He 
married Olive, the daughter of Richard Sylvester, 1736. She 
deceased 1816, aged ninety-five. He had eleven children, 
two of whom, Elisha and Thomas, were soldiers, remarkable 
for their bravery in the American war. The father was a 
soldier in the French war. Elisha succeeded his father in his 
residence, and deceased 1829, whose son resides now at the 
same place. This family descended from Edmund Gross, 
who was in Boston 1642, and whose son Isaac, born 1642, 
probably came to Hingham. 

JOHN HALL 

married Abigail, the daughter of Timothy White, 1705, and 
settled at Scituate Harbour. His children were Mary, Abigail, 
Elizabeth, John born 1712, Timothy 1714, Susanna, Sarah, 
Rachel, Katharine. 

This family removed probably to Marshfield. 

Capt. Robert P. Hall, who deceased at Scituate Harbour, 
1814„ was from Cape Cod. His wife was a sister of Capt. 
Moses Rich. 

JOHN HALLET, Planter, (Early written Hollet.) 

was one of the Conihassett partners, 1646. His house stood 
at the harbour, near where stands that of Jesse Dimbar, Esq. 
perhaps a little south-east. In 1691, "Capt. Stephen Otis's 
new house " is mentioned, which is now Young's tavern and 
Post-office), and as bounded to John Hollet's house lot on 
the north. He was an extensive landholder. Hollet's island, 
near "the stepping stones," now retains his name. He was in 
Scituate, or rather had lands assigned to his right, in 1668. 
He was probably at Yarmouth in 1650, in which year his son 
John was there born. Richard Curtis of Scituate, married 
Anna his daughter, 1649. His descendants are at Cape Cod, 
and at Boston. His brother Andrew was of Sandwich, 1638. 

WILLIAM HAMANS 

was in Scituate 1636. He soon deceased or removed. 



278 TAMILY SKETCHES, 



JEDIDIAH HAMIMOND, 

probably from Midclleboro or Rochester, was the first of that 
name in this place. His residence was thirty rods west of the 
north Meeting-house, near the four corners. He married 
Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Parker, 1712. His children, 
Agatha born 1713, Joseph 1714, Benjamin 1718, Joanna 1721. 
Joseph was the father of twelve children, born from 1738 to 
1764, some of whom are living. Seth, his son, married Mary 
Buck, (the last of the name of Buck in the Town), and left a 
family. 



JOHN HANMER 

was in Scituate 1639. His house was south of Colman's hills, 
next to Isaac Robinson's. He seems to have had another west 
of those hills, which he sold to Joseph Colman, jr. 1660. He 
had also a large lot of land in that part of Scituate now Hanover, 
south-west of Hanover Meeting-house. This was sold by his 
sons to Jeremiah and Walter Hatch before 1680. " Hanmer's 
hook" was the name of this lot, and it still bears the name. 
He was living 1673. There is no record of the births of his 
family. His daughter Rebecca married Daniel Hicks, 1659. 
He had also daughters Bethia and Hannah, and sons John, 
Joseph and Isaac. Isaac had a son Benjamin, who married 
Abigail, the daughter of Henry Josselyn, 1715, and Jane 
Wright 1724. The name has been extinct in this place for 
near a century. 



CONSIDER ROWLAND 

came from Marshfield. He married Ruth Church 1795, and 
settled at the ancient Amos Perry place, on die north-east of 
the Episcopal Church hill. He has a family : a son Luther. 



SAMUEL HARLOW, 

from Plymouth, resided a short time in Scituate. He married 
Mary Barstow 1716. His daughter Mary born 1717. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 279 



Elder WILLIAM HATCH 

settled in Kent street 1634. His house lot was the first south 
of Greenfield lane. He was the first ruling elder of the second 
Church, 1643. He was an active and useful man in the 
settlement of the Town. His children probably were born in 
Ensrland. His wife's name was Jane. Walter, his son, bore 
arms 1643, when he was, of course, over sixteen years of age. 
He settled on a point of land north-east of Stoney cove, and 
south-east of the second Society's Meeting-house. He married 
EHzabeth, daughter of Thomas Holbrook of Weymouth, 1650. 
His children, Hannah born 1651, Samuel 1653, Jane 1655, 
Antipas 1658, Bethia 1661. His posterity are in Marshfield. 
Mr Samuel Hatch of Scituate, near Stocivbridge's mill, is also 
his descendant. 

William, jr. lived in the house at Kent street. He married 
Susanna Annable, (daughter of Anthony), 1652: his children, 
Lydia born 1653, (w4io married John Barstow 1678). He 
removed to Swanzey, where he was living 1690; and his pos- 
terity may be found in that vicinity. 

Jeremiah (son of Elder William), settled near his brother 
Walter, with whom he was engaged in ship building for many 
years. He was often a deputy to Colony Court, a surveyor, 
selectman, and in short a man of great usefulness. He married 
Mary, daughter of John Hewes, "the Welshman," and had 
fourteen children, born from 1658 to 1678. His sons Jere- 
miah, John, Israel, Joseph, Thomas and James. Jeremiah 
succeeded his father in his residence and his calling. Several 
descendants are in Vermont. 

Hannah (daughter of Elder Hatch) married Samuel Utley, 
1658. ^nn married Lieut. James Torrey, 1643. Jane, tlie 
widow of Elder Hatch, married Elder Thomas King, 1653. 

Elder Hatch died 1651. His will bequeaths "To wife Jane 
2 cows, with keeping for the same, half my house, half the 
fruits of my orchard, 16 bushels of corn, 4 of wheat, and 4 of 
rye per ann. — To daughter Jane Lovell [probably of Wey- 
mouth] one cow — to gr. son John Lovell a cow calf: and if 
the Lord give my daughter Jane more children, the next child 
shall have the first calf of the cow given to John, and the next 
child the next, and so on successively. To daughter Ann 
Torrey one cow — to her son James Torrey the first calf of 
that cow, the next to Joseph, her son, and the next to Dama- 



280 FAMILY SKKTCHES. 

ris, her daughter. All the rest of my property to my sons 
Waher and William, they paying the legacies. 

C William Witherell, 
"Attest, < James Torrey, 

(William Hatch," (son of Thomas). 



THOMAS HATCH 

was an older brother, probably, of William. He settled in a 
part of the Town at that time but little cultivated, viz. three 
fourths of a mile west of the present Town-house, near a small 
brook that runs in the meadow, and twenty rods west of the 
road. He died early. His widow had an infant Hannah 
brought to baptism 1G4G, which was probably near the date 
of his death. His other earlier children were William and 
Thomas. 

William was a soldier in Philip's war, and received a grant 
of land 1676. He left daughters, Mary born 1652, Lydia 
1654, Phebe and Hannah, but no son probably. 

Thomas married Sarah, daug'ater of Rhodolphus Ellms, 
1662, and had eleven children, born from 1664 to 1684. His 
descendants now living are Marshall Hatch, and Jonathan, who 
lives near the first settlement of the family. 

Alice, W'ho married Jonas PicKcls 1657, was probably daugh- 
ter of Thomas, sen. 

Thomas, jr. deceased 1686. His will gives "To eldest son 
Thomas, land at Long marsh — to Rhodolphus, Joseph and 
Jeremiah, (the youngest child being two years old), land at 
Stonnington, Conn. To daughter Sarah, Lydia, Caturah, Han- 
nah, Mary, Margaret, Abigail, 8£ each." 

There was a Samuel Hatch, a volunteer soldier in the 
Pequod war, 1637. 



Mr TIMOTHY HATHERLY 

arrived at Plymouth in the ship Ann, 1623. He there erected 
a house, which was soon destroyed by fire. He went to 
England 1625, and did not return hither until 1632. Winthrop 
says, "in the Charles from Barnstable, Eng., which sailed 
April 10, and arrived June 5." He came in by w^ay of Boston, 
proceeded to Plymouth, where he tarried a year or more. We 
notice in the Colony records, 1633, "ordered that the whole 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



281 



tract of land between the brook at Scltuate on the north-west 
side, and Conihassett, fthe gulph), be left undisposed of until 
we know the resolution of Mr James Shirley, Mr John Beau- 
champ, Mr Richard Andrews, and Mr Timothy Hatherly," 
(see Conihassett). The grant was made to these gentlemen 
1637 : but we find Mr Hatherly here in 1634. This territory 
as we have elsewhere remarked, was purchased of the other 
three to whom the grant was made, by Mr Hatherly, and sold 
in shares, he retaining one fourth of the whole : and by agree- 
ment that fourth consisted of four hundred acres north and west 
of the Harbour, two hundred acres at Musquashcut harbour, 
(afterwards Briggs's harbour), and 10£ in money. The first 
land which he cultivated was west of great Musquashcut pond, 
where he had " a herring wear," and where he had a house 
1638. In 1651, he sold a farm on Musquashcut harbour to 
Walter Briggs. He married Lydia, the widow of Elder Na- 
thaniel Tilden, 1642, and changed his residence to Kent street. 
He was ever ready to purchase the lands and houses of those 
who were desirous to remove, and to accommodate others who 
came into the settlement. He built several houses, one of 
which was afterwards the parsonage. He purchased Mr 
Lothrop's house on his retiring to Barnstable, and sold it again 
lo Mr Chauncy. In short, he was the pillar and supporter of 
the plantation — always ready to advance money for the Town 
in times of difficulty, or to aid individuals with his wealth. His 
large tract of land west of Accord pond, he sold but in part, and 
gave the remainder to the Conihassett partners : it consisted of 
nine square miles, and was laid out to him by order of govern- 
ment, 1663. The fine of this land is called "the share line." 
He gave a share in Conihassett lands to Rhodolphus Ellmes — 
a house lot to Eglin Hanford, (north of Thomas Ensign's, at 
the Harbour), his sister's daughter. He gave the parsonage 
house and land to the Church, 1654, and seven years after- 
ward his Musquashcut farm and buildings to the Church and 
Society. No man deserved so well of the plantation, and we 
believe he was generally considered as the guardian and patron 
of Scituate. We have often regretted that the Town was not 
called after his name. Morton, in the New England's Memo- 
rial, observes : " He was one of the first beginners, and a good 
instrument to uphold the Church and Town of Scituate." We 
may add that he was also an important member of the govern- 
ment, having been an assistant thirteen years — treasurer of 
the Colony — and a commissioner of the United Colonies three 
years. 

36 



282 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

In 1658, he fell under the displeasure of Gov. Prince and 
his assistants, by reason of his taking a firm stand against the 
oppression of the Quakers, and was afterward suffered to re- 
main in retirement from the cares of government. General 
Cudvvorth, his friend and fellow sufferer in " persecution for 
righteousness sake," lived to see the veil taken off from the 
eyes of government, and to find his proper station in society : 
not so the venerable Hatherly. In 1666, he made over the 
remainder of his estate to Dea. Joseph Tilden, and took a bond 
in £100, "for the peaceable possession of it to himself and his 
wife Lydia during their lives." He deceased the same year, 
leaving no children of his own : but for the children of Nathan- 
iel Tilden, he made a bountiful provision before his decease, 
by deeds of gift. 

Mr Hatherly was a merchant of London : but it is probable 
the seat of his family had been in Devonshire, there being a 
town of Hatherly in that shire. Few of the name have come 
to this country, and those probably not nearly connected with 
him : for example, Arthur Hatherly in Plymouth, 1660, left 
no family that we have learned, unless Thomas Hatherly of 
Boston, 1670, was his son, whose son Thomas married Lydia 
Green 1693. Dea. Hatherly Foster, of Scituate, was the 
great grandson of Mr Hatherly's sister. It is a name worthy to 
be perpetuated. 

JOHN HAYDEN 

came into Scituate from Hingham, 1720. He married Mary 
Vinal 1723.' His sons were William, Ezekiel and Joseph. 
William left sons William, Ezra, Peleg, and Elisha, and two 
daughters, viz. Anna, (wife of Abner Sutton, and the wife of 
Collier). 

Elisha married Deborah Pierce, his son Elisha is the sole 
survivor of the name in this Town, except EHsha's children. 

JOSEPH HENCHMAN, (or Hinckesman), 

appears in Scituate 1680. He owned a considerable tract of 
land at Henchman's corner, half mile west of the south Meeting- 
house, adjoining Dea. Joseph Cushing's and Philip Turner's 
land. His house stood twenty rods east from the parting of 
the roads, on the north side of the street. He sold it to Rev. 
Mr Eells 1714. It was a spacious house. Thirty years since 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 283 

it was taken down, and a slight habitation built with its ruins : 
and the whole removed 1826. 

The family of Henchman on record are Elizabeth born 
1685, (married Amos Sylvester 1706), Mary 1689, Thomas 
1691, Deborah 169-2, Joseph 1694, William 1696, Hannah 
1698, Edmund 1700, Sarah 1702. He had also a sister 
Elnathan, who married Eliab Turner 1694. This family came 
from Massachusetts and returned thither; probably to Chelms- 
ford. We take him to liave been the son of Thomas Hinchman, 
Esq. of Chelmsford. There was, however, a Jl/r Hinckesman 
in Marshfield, 1653, who may have been his father. 

JOHN HEWES, " the Welshman," 

was in Scituate 1632. We trace him previously at Plymouth: 
the name is sometimes written HeivgJis. He was freeman 
1639. His house was on Kent street, the second south of 
Meeting-house lane. There are ^qw notices of his family. 
He was living 1673. His daughter Mary married Jeremiah 
Hatch 1657. His son John, who had been a freeholder, died 
1661, leaving no family here. John Hughs of Hingham, in 
1665, who left sons John, Samuel, and others, may have been 
his son. He died 1672. 

EPHRAIM HEWETT, 

son of Thomas of Hingham, was born 1639. (Hobart's journal). 
He had brothers, James born 1643, Thomas 1644, Timothy 
1647. Ephraim was a short time in Scituate. He married 
Elizabeth Foster, the only daughter of Mr Edward Foster, 
1665. Their children were Thomas born 1667, Ruth 1669, 
Susanna 1672, Jael 1673, Ephraim 1676. This family re- 
turned to Hingham, and probably resided some time at Hull. 
Thomas (" an unfortunate insane young man ") was kept by 
his guardian, Thomas Jenkins of Scituate, 1690. 

Ephraim Hewett, minister of Windsor, Connecticut, was 
brother of Thomas of Hingham. There was a John Hewett 
of Marshfield, who married Martha Winter 1668. 

THOMAS HICKES, from Plymouth, 

was in Scituate 1640. He was probably brother of Robert, 
and came in the ship Ann, 1623. His house lot was north- 
east of Hickes's swamp, a well known place a mile south of 



284 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

the Harbour. There is no record of his family. Daniel 
Hickes, his son, succeeded him, and married Rebecca, daugh- 
ter of John Hanmer, 1659. The family soon disappears after 
this date. In 1652, Thomas Hickes died, "and his aged 
widow being unable to attend Court, Mr Hatherly was author- 
ized to take evidence of his will, his inventory, &tc." This 
family came from Bermondsey street, Southwark, (Colony 
Records).* 

Robert Hickes (brother of Thomas) had lands also in 
Scituate. In 1662, "Margaret his widow confirms a sale of 
50 acres on the North river, sold by her husband in his life 
time, to Elnathan, youngest of the sons of President Chauncy." 
Colony records. Samuel (son of Robert) was a deputy from 
Nauset, (Eastham), 1647 and 8. He married Lydia Doan 
1645. Ephraim (another son) married Elizabeth Howland 
1649, and died 1650. Lydia and Phebe were also daughters 
of Robert Hickes. 



HERCULES HILLS 

was in Scituate 1636: a soldier in the Pequod war, 1637, 
afterward returned to England. We learn the place of his 
residence in England, 1666, to have been Rochester, in Kent, 
from the conveyance made of certain lands in Scituate, to 
Edward Goodwin, shipwright of Boston. He had a lot at 
Kent street. 

SAMUEL HINCKLEY 

came into Scituate probably with Mr Lothrop, 1634. He was 
a freeman 1637. His house was on Kent street, the second 
south of Greenfield lane. He also owned the marsh between 



* By way of showing our authority for asserting that this family came 
from Southwark, England, v.'e subjoin the following deposition of Clement 
Briggs, from the Colony records, Anno 1638 : 

" This deponent saith that about 22 years since, this deponent then dwel- 
ling with Sam'l. Latham, in Bermondsey street, Southwark, a fellmonger, 
and Thomas Harlow then dwelling with Robert Hickes, in the same street, 
fellmonger — the si^ Harlow and this deponent had often conference togeth- 
er, how many pelts eache of theire masters pulled a weeke — and this 
deponent saith, that the s'' Robert Hickes did pull three Jiundred pelts a 
weeke, and diverse tymes, six or seven hundred and more, a weeke : and 
that the s'' Robert Hickes sold his pelts for 40s a hundred, at the same 
tyme that Sam'l. Latham sold his for 50s." 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 285 

his house and the third cHfF. He had also land near Rotten 
marsh, on the south-east, next to Mr Vassall's "brook hall 
field." He removed to Barnstable, 1640. His son Samuel 
was here with him, and removed to Barnstable : his children 
were Sarah born 1642, John 1644. His wife Sarah died 
1656, and he married Bridget Bodfish 1657. 

Thomas, the son of Samuel, sen. was born in England, 1618. 
He married Mary Richards 1644, and had one daughter Mary, 
same year. He married a second wife, widow Mary Glover, 
1659.* He was an assistant and magistrate many years. He 
was elected Governor 1680, and continued annually in that 
office until the charter of the Colony was cancelled, and the 
union with Massachusetts took place in 1692: with the excep- 
tion of 1686 and 7, (under Andros, General Governor), when 
he was one of the Council ; and too good a patriot, we may 
add, to approve of the tyranny of Andros. He died 1706. 
Hubbard says he was seventy-three years of age. Prince says 
eighty-eight: and from hence other writers have been misled. 
But we ascertain the probable correctness of those who state 
his age at eighty-eight, by recurring to the facts that he Avas 
married in 1644: and bore arms in Barnstable 1643: and of 
course he could not have been born in 1633, as some state. 

Joseph Hinckley of Barnstable married JMary Otis of Scit- 
uate, 1725, daughter of Joseph Otis, Esq., who removed to 
New London. 

JOHN HOAR 

bore arms in Scituate 1643. In 1646, he was one of the 
Conihassett partners. His farm was on the west of httle Mus- 
quashcut pond. This farm adjoined General Cudworth's in 
1658. We find he was always engaged while here, in the 
business of the Town, and draftsman of deeds, bonds, he. and 
is mentioned occasionally as a lawyer, though the practice must 
have been small in those days. He removed to Concord 
1659 or 60. His mother deceased in Braintree, 1661. He 
had a brother Hezekiah Hoar in Scituate for a time, and after- 
wards of Taunton. He was an Ensign in the expedition to 
New York against the Dutch, 1654. He was then of Taunton. 
He had sons born, Nath'l. 1656, Edward 1663, Hezekiah 1678. 



* Slie was widow of Jolin Glover of Dorchester, and daucliter of Lawrence 
Smith: she had a son Rbenezer and five daughters, of wiiom Mary married 
Samuel Prince, Esq. of Sandwich and Middieboro, and was the mother of 
Prince the Chronolowist. 



286 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Richard Hoar of Yarmouth, 1G41, was probably a brother 
of John : as also Daniel of Concord, vvlio deceased in London. 
President Leonard Hoar was also his brother, who died at 
Braintree, 1 675. By way of illustrating the family connexions, 
we subjoin an abstract of President Hoar's will, dated 1675: 

"To daughter Bridget 200£ at 21, or marriage with her 
mother's consent. To my brother Daniel, whose real and 
perpetual kindness I can never remunerate, my stone signet 
and my watch. To my dear brother John a black suit — To 
my dear sisters Flint and Quinsey, each a black serge gown. 
To cousin Josiah Flint, out of my Library, Rouanelli Bibli- 
otheca. To my cousin Noah Newman, Aquinas' Sermons, and 
to them both the use of any books and manuscripts of mine on 
Divinity, they giving a note to return them on demand. My 
medical writings to my wife's custody, till some of my kindred 
addicted to those studies, shall desire them, and especially 
John Hoar's or any other of m} brothers' or sisters' sons or 
grandsons." 

ISRAEL HOBART, shipwright, 

son of Rev. Peter Hobart of Hingham, (born 1G42, died 1731, 
aged eighty-nine), came into Scituate 1676. His house at 
Hingham had been burnt by the Indians in the spring of that 
year. He settled here on the North river, at the well known 
place, since called Hobart's landing. His house stood near 
the ship-yard : it is remembered by som? of our oldest inhabi- 
tants, as a spacious mansion, adorned with two carved cherubs 
over the door. He married Sarah, daughter of Rev. Mr With- 
erell, 1674, his children, Nathan and Abigail born 1678, Jaei 
1680, Israel 1682, Abigail 1683, Israel 1686, were born in 
Scituate. In Hingham had been born Nathaniel 1675, Re- 
becca 1676. 

Israel Hobart's will, dated 1729, gives legacies " To son 
Israel — to daughter Abigail — to Mary Witherton, Grace 
Davis, and Bathsheba Bradford, daughters of my daughter 
Sarah Brock — and to my daughter Jael, executrix." 

Israel, jr. was a householder 1723. He had two daughters, 
Patience and Grace. 

Capt. WILLIAM HOLBROOK 

came into Scituate 1660, and purchased lands in Conihassett, 
adjoining the farm of Capt. Michael Pierce, on the south-west. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 287 

His bouse was on the south side of the Cohasset road, a half 
mile west of Capt. Pierce's. His father Thomas had lands in 
Scituate 1G49, hut resided in Weymouth: Capt. William died 
here 1699. His sons settled here, viz. Samuel, whose son 
Samuel was born 1683, (which latter married Jane Clap 1708), 
John (son of Capt. William) had a son John born 1686: he 
had six daughters : John, his son, married Sarah Chittenden 
1709. Persis, daughter of Capt. William, married John Far- 
row 1696. 

THOMAS HOLBROOK 

was brother of Capt. William. He married Deborah Daman 
1666, and removed shortly to Weymouth. 

Thomas, sen. deceased at Weymouth 1673. His will gives 
"To wife Jane all my estate during her life, (requesting sons 
John, William and Thomas to be helpful to her, as she is 
ancient and weak of body), afterward to be divided to those 
three sons, and my three daughters, Ann Reynolds, Elizabeth 
Hatch and Jane Drake. To my grandsons John Holbrook my 
sword, to Peter my gun and grey mare's colt, and to William 
my musket: and to each grandchild at my wife's decease 2s.. 
each." 

Samuel, sen. deceased at Weymouth, 1696. His will gives 
to son Cornelius lands in Weymouth, also to son William, and 
legacies to daughters Elizabeth Buck, (wife of John of Scituate), 
to Mehitabel Sprague, (wife of Jonathan), to daughter Jane 
Balcome, and daughter Hopestill Holbrook." 



WILLIAM HOLMES, planter, 

was one of the Conihassett partners in 1646 : and a householder 
before 1 647 : his right to common lands descended to his heirs 
as late as 1703. He was a freeman in 1658. Before 1662,. 
he removed to Marshfield side of the North river; where he 
died before 1690, and where Elizabeth, his widow, died 1693. 
His children were Abraham born 1641, Israel 1642, Isaac 
1644, Sarah 1646, Rebecca 1648, Josiah 1650, Mary 1655, 
Elizabeth 1661, all baptized iii Scituate second Church. We 
have met with few records of this family after their removal. 
Abraham had a family in Marshfield : (his daughter Elizabeth 
was born 1666) : he had a second wife, we believe, viz. Abi- 
gail Nichols of Hingham, 1695, (see Hinghara Records). 



288 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Israel (with Joseph Trouant) was shipwrecked and lost, 
"saiHng into Plymouth harbour, Feb. 24, 1684," Marshfield 
Records. Joseph was in Marshfield 1671, when he sold lands 
in Scituatc to Caleb Lincoln of Hingham. There are many 
descendants of this family in Plymouth County. Some, how- 
ever, of this name descended from John Holmes, a freeman 
1634, and who had lands "at Reed pond," in Plymouth, the 
same year. We notice in the Colony records that he was often 
the messenger of the General Court. The Rev. John Holmes, 
minister of Duxbury, who died 1675, may have been his son; 
but this we have not ascertained. Some of the families in 
Plymouth County derive their descent from him, viz. those of 
Rochester. And some derive their descent from yet another 
source. In A. D. 1718, Judge John Cushing (second gener- 
ation) married a widow Sarah Holmes of Boston, who had 
several children, viz. Elizabeth, who became the first wife of 
Chief Justice John Cushing, 1718 — Nathaniel, who resided 
in Boston, and John, who married Susannah Briggs of Scituate, 
and had children ; some of whom were Deborah and Ruth, 
twins, born 1719, Abigail 1720, and John, who married Han- 
nah Briggs 1746. 

We had conjectured that William Holmes, at the head of 
this article, was the son of Lieut. William Holmes, who was 
freeman in Plymouth 1634 — "appointed to instruct the people 
of Plymouth and Duxbury in arms, 1635," — commander in 
the Pequod war, 1637, and afterward Major in Massachusetts: 
but we are not certain. Major Holmes died in Boston, 1649, 
and it does not appear that he left a family. We notice in die 
Plymouth Colony records 1654, "Job Hawkins of Boston, 
claimed as heir, the lands of the late Major William Holmes, 
at North River, on Marshfield side, and was allowed to take 
possession, giving security to give them up,, in case an heir of 
better claim should appear." 



WARD HOLLOWAY 

came from Hingham in 1730. He married Mary, the daugh- 
ter of Benjamin Studley, 1734. His children were Mary 
born 1737, now living, William, who was drowned in early 
manhood, and Wiborn, a soldier in the French war, lately 
living in Boston. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



JOHN HOSKINS 



289 



was in Scituate 1695. His residence was south-east of Great 
swamp. His children, Samuel born 1C99, Martha 1706, he 
had also a son Benjamin, who married Charity Sergeant of 
Hingham, 1725. We believe Mr Lemuel Hoskins, who now 
resides in the south part of the Town, is descended from 
this family. There was a William Hoskins in Scituate, free- 
man in 1634, probably ancestor of John. 



SAMUEL HOUSE 

had lands assigned by the committee for laying out lands, in 
1634, south-east of Colman's hills, between the lots of Rev. Mr 
Lothrop and Richard Foxwell. He probably was one of Mr 
Lothrop's church, who came with him from London. He died 
in Scituate, 1661. Son Samuel and daughter Elizabeth 
administer; it is said in the Historical Society's papers, (Vol. 
IV. 2d. series), that he removed to Cambridge, but tliis does 
not appear. 

Samuel, his son, was a shipwright, and his place of residence 
was near Hobart's landing, on the north-east of the ship-yard. 
He married Rebecca, the daughter of Thomas Nichols, 1664. 
His children, Samuel born 1665, Joseph 1667, Rebecca 1670, 
John 1672, Sarah 1678, (who married James Cushing 1710). 

Samuel, 3d. married Sarah Pincin 1692, and lived probably 
near Curtis's mill, west of the third Herring brook. The last 
of this family in the Town was Coombs House, who removed 
to Pembroke ponds, 1808. Samuel, 3d. died 1718, and left 
sons, Joseph, David, James, Samuel and John. 



GOODMAN HOYT, probably Simon, 

was a freeman in Massachusetts, 1631. In Scituate 1633, 
and probably earlier, he had a lot of planting land on the 
third cliff, as also Thomas Bird and Henry Merritt. He had 
a house lot also on Kent street, the third lot on the Green 
field, west of Barnard Lombard's lot. Traces of him here 
disappear after 1636. 
37 



290 FAMILY SKETCHES. 



EDWARD HUMPHRIES, (from Ireland), 

was in Scituate 1740. He married Anna Sandlin 1739. He 
purchased land of the Randall family, one quarter of a mile 
west of Wild cat hill, where he resided. His children, Mar- 
garet born 1741, Edward 1742, Richard 1744, Mary 1748, 
John 1749. Edward, a very worthy man, resided on the 
paternal place, and deceased 1825, not married. He had 
been a Revolutionary soldier. Margaret married William 
Corlcw, and left a family in Scituate. She died 1826. Rich- 
ard has recently been living in Littleton. John also resided 
and deceased in Littleton. 



THOMAS HYLAND 

was freeman in Scituate 1638. His farm was on the fourth 
cliff, principally, but his house was on Kent street, nearly 
opposite to the lane called " the drift way." He came from 
Tenterden in Kent, England. There is no record of the birth 
of his children. It, however, appears that his daughter Debo- 
rah was the second wife of Serjeant William Ticknor, 1666, 
and a daughter Mary, the third wife of John Bryant, sen. 1664, 
and Ruth, single, 1664, and Sarah, wife of Thomas Turner, 
1652. He mentions these daughters in his deeds of settlement, 
1664. He had a son Samuel, who died a soldier in Philip's 
war, 1676. His wife Elizabeth executor, and Serjeant John 
Bryant bondsman. 

His son Thomas succeeded to his father's residence. He 
married Elizabeth, daughter of John Stockbridge, 1661. His 
children, Thomas born 1662, Elizabeth 1665, Mary 1667, 
John 1669, Ruth 1673. Of these children, 

Thomas, died in Phipps's Canada expedition, 1690. 
(Thomas, sen. appointed administrator. Probate Records). 

John married Elizabeth James 1693. His children, Ruth 
born 1695, Elizabeth 1697, James 1701, John 1704, Sarah 
1706, Thomas 1708, Ann 1710, Benjamin 1711. 

Mr John Hyland, who now resides on the fourth cliff, (land 
which the family has possessed since 1633), is the grandson 
of John, born 1704. William Hyland, a Revolutionary soldier, 
is now living one fourth mile south-east of mount Blue. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 291 



THOMAS INGHAM 



was a weaver, as we observe in the Colony records. " 1663, 
Thomas Ingham was presented for detaming yarn of those 
who brought it to be woven," (cleared). He bought lands on 
the south side of Stockbridge's mill pond, of Abraham SutlifFe, 
1640. His house was about forty rods from the mill dam, 
near Northy's. , He had lands on the south-east of Brushy hill, 
and elsewhere. Both he and his wife were guilty of being old 
and solitary, and therefore suspected of witchcraft, (see witch- 
craft). He had a daughter Mary born 1647, Thomas born 
1654, John 1663. John left no family on record. Thomas 
had a pleasant farm south of George Moore's swamp. He sold 
it before 1720, to Anthony Stetson, and removed to the south. 
Isaac, the son of Anthony Stetson, succeeded to this place, 
1750, and it is now owned by his son, David, Esq. of Charles- 
town. 

SAMUEL JACKSON 

came from Plymouth 1638. He married Hester, the daughter 
of Dea. Richard Sealis, 1639, and succeeded to his residence, 
(see Sealis). He had but one son, Jonathan born 1647, who 
was a soldier in Philip's war, and received a grant of land for 
his services. He succeeded his father, and had but one son, 
Jonathan born 1685, and daughters Sarah and Hannah. Jon- 
athan married Sarah Daman 1728, and Deborah Stetson 1732. 
He had but one son, Jonathan born 1733, and one daughter, 
Sarah born 1730. Jonathan married Mehitabel Hyland 1757, 
and had several children ; of whom Roland resides in Scituate, 
and Dea. Ward Jackson in Boston. 



Capt. DAVID JACOB 

was the son of John Jacob* of Glad Tidings plain, Hingham. 
He was born 1664. His mother was Mary, the daughter of 
George Russell, sen. of Hingham, a second wife : he was 

* " John Jacob slain by the Indians near his father's house, April 19, 1676, 
and about tiie same time of day, Serj. Pratt at Weymouth. April 20th. 
Joseph Jones's, Anthony Sprague'e, Israel Hobart's, Nath'l. Chubbuck's, 
and James Whiton's houses burnt down by the Indians." (Hobart's journal). 



292 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

grandson of Nicholas Jacob, who was amongst the first settlers 
of Hingham. David came into Scituate 1688, when he pur- 
chased the lands of George Russell, (his uncle), on the south- 
east of Stockbridge's mill, the ancient Stedman place. His 
house stood near where stands the house of Mr Samuel Hatch, 
his descendant. That Russell house was burnt 1712, and 
another erected near the same place, which has been succeeded 
since by the spacious mansion of Mr Hatch. Dea. David 
Jacob was an active and useful man, always employed in pub- 
lick business, and often also as town schoolmaster, there being 
but one school at that time. He married Sarah, the daughter 
of John Gushing, Esq. 1689; she was his cousin. His children 
were David born 1690, Elisha 1692, (died early), Lydia 1700, 
died early, Joshua 1702, Joseph 1707, Benj. 1709, Elisha 1711. 
Besides these, he had daughters Mary, Sarah, Deborah and Han- 
nah. Of these sons Benjamin succeeded to his father's residence, 
and was the grandfather of Mr Samuel Hatch, above named. 
David, Joshua, and Dr. Joseph settled in the west part of the 
Town, at Assinippi, (Snappet), David on the Plymouth road, 
half mile south-east of the mill. Dr. Joseph at the foot of 
Barstow's hill on Plymouth road, at the east of Gillman plain, 
(now Gol. Collamore's), Joshua sixty rods north-east of the 
mill, where Richmond Jacob, his grandson, resides. Gol. John 
Jacob, a Revolutionary officer, was his son ; as also Gapt. 
Joshua : and James, who succeeded to his father's residence. 
Nicholas Jacob, the first of the family, died at Hingham, 
1657, and gives in his will legacies, "To wife Mary 30£, to 
Joseph, Hannah and Deborah Loring 10£ each — To son John 
a double portion — To son Joseph, to daughter Mary, wife of 
John Otis, to daughter Elizabeth, wife of John Tlftxter, to 
daughter Sarah, wife of John Gushing, to daughters Hannah 
and Deborah equal shares," 



WILLIAM JAMES 

was in Scituate 1673. He came probably from Marshfield, 
where there was a widow Anna James and family as early as 
1650. William settled at Scituate harbour 1673. His house 
lot was " north of Job Otis's ware-house," a part of which he 
sold to Gapt. Stephen Otis, for the place for " a new house," 
1697, (now Young's Tavern). He conducted ship-building, 
and dug a dock for launching his vessels, which now bears the 
name of "Will James's dock." He was also engaged in a 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 293 

coasting trade and fishery. He succeeded to a share m Coni- 
hassett lands in the right of John Woodfield. There is no 
record of children. His wife's name was Mehitabel. Eliza- 
beth James married John Hyland 1693, and Mehitabel to 
Samuel Tuell 1700, which we conjecture to have been his 
daughters. Also Ann James to John Turner, jr. 1649; prob- 
ably his sister. 

There was a Samuel James mentioned in our records, who 
may have been his father: and a Samuel James married Hope 
Chamberlain of Hull, 1711, he was from Hingham, and a son 
of Francis James. 

JOHN JAMES, 

so far as we have discovered, appears to have been of a differ- 
ent family from William above, and probably was the son of 
Thomas James of Dedham, 1640. John was a freeman in 
Scituate in 1668. He purchased the farm of Ephraim Kemp- 
ton's heirs, at "the block-house," on the North river, where 
his descendant Dea. Elisha James now resides. He married 
Lydia, daughter of John Turner, sen. in 1675. He had but 
one son, viz. John born 1676, (see William Barrell), and he 
deceased about the time of the birth of that son, having been 
wounded by the Indians. 

Dea. John married Eunice Stetson 1700, and Lydia, daugh- 
ter of Nathaniel Turner, 1719, and succeeded to his father's 
residence. His children were Eunice born 1703, Mary 1704, 
Eunice 1706, John 1709, Benjamin 1711, Lydia 1713, Elisha 
1715,Zipporah 1717, (wife of Elisha Randall: she died 1815.) 

Dea. John, jr. married Rhoda, daughter of Dea. George 
King, 1730, by whom he had John born 1731, and by a second 
wife. Prudence Staunton of Stonington, Connecticut, he had 
Staunton born 1738, Prudence 1740, (wife of Capt. Elisha 
Turner), Rhoda 1742, (wife of Mr John Beal of Hingham), 
Elisha 1744, Wihiam 1746, Eunice 1747, Lydia 1749, (wife 
of Charles Curtis, Lucy 1751, Thomas 1753. — Of these 
Dea. John, od. married Sarah Jacob 1758, and succeeded to 
the residence of Dea. George King, his grandfather. His 
children Avere Sarah, John, (late Major James of Medford, 
whose sons are Capt. Galen, Joseph and others), Hannah, 
George, Joseph and Charles, born from 1759 to 1775. 

Staunton was killed in the French war. 

Dea. Elisha succeeded to the residence of his grandfather, 
his father having resided at the place now owned by Mr Lem- 



294 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

uel Jacob. He married Sarah, daughter of Capt. Elisha 
Foster, 1774, by whom he has children, Staunton, Sarah, 
(widow of Capt. Thomas Southworth), Ehsha, of Roxbury, 
Temperance, (wife of Mr Wild of Hingham), and Dea. Joshua 
of Scituate. The second wife of Dea. Elisha is Ruth, widow 
of Nathaniel Chittenden, and sister of his first wife. 

William married Mary, daughter of Capt. Benjamin Ran- 
dall, 1780, and has children, Lydia, (wife of Capt. Bass of 
Quincy), Betsey, (wife of Rev. WilHam Torrey), WilHam of 
Scituate, Hannah, (wife of Mr Briggs Alden of Duxbury), 
and Josiah Leavitt of New York. Thomas married Sarah 
Clap, and deceased at Londonderry, leaving sons and daugh- 
ters, one of whom is the wife of Dea. Joshua James of 
Scituate. 

Capt. Benjamin (son of the first Dea. John) settled on the 
east of Colman's hills. His children were Mercy born 1738, 
Benjamin 1740. The latter was the father of Benjamin, John 
and Doctor Elisha of Scituate. 

EDWARD JENKINS 

was one of the Conihassett partners in 1646, and a freeman 
1647. He purchased a part of Edward Foster's house lot 
1647, and built his house at the corner of Kent street, near the 
bridge, where the house of Capt. Lemuel Webb now stands. 
He had a lot also near where the Methodist chapel now stands, 
where his son Thomas settled 1678. Edward Jenkins kept 
an ordinary many years: Hcensed first 1677. He deceased 
1699. His will gives legacies, "To my wife Mary — to son 
Thomas — to grandson Daniel 20 acres near Valley swamp — 
(note : this is now called the Jenkins meadow, on the north of 
Jacob's mill pond) — to grandson Edward — to granddaughters 
Hannah Turner and Mary Bacon — to daughter Mary Cooke, 
to granddaughter Mary Jenkins. Item, it is my will that bread 
and beer be given at my funeral : also that a sermon be preach- 
ed at my funeral by Mr Jeremiah Cushing, or some other 
minister whom my Executor shall think meet : also I give to 
the minister that shall preach my funeral sermon 20s." By 
way of explanation, we remark, that Edward Jenkins seems to 
have belonged to the liberal party of the puritans : the more 
strict party forbade sermons, and even prayers at funerals, 
because the Church of England "said prayers at funerals," 
and the Church of Rome "prayed for the dead." See Neal's 
History. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 295 

We have not learned who was the first wife of Edward 
Jenkins, and tlie mother of his children : his second wife was 
widow Mary Ripley of Hingham, 1684. His daughter Mary 
married Marmaduke Atkinson, 1670, and in 1674, "being 
deserted, was divorced," Colony Records. She afterwards 
married Robert Cooke. His daughter Hannah married Tho- 
mas Turner, Esq. a lawyer, 1693, and his daughter Sarah 
married Mr Bacon, probably of Taunton. 

Thomas married Martha 1678. Children, Hannah 

1679, Thomas 1681, Edward, 2d. 1683, Daniel 1685. We 
find no families of these sons here except of 

Edward, 2d. who married Martha Daman 1705, and Abigail 
Merritt, 1728, and left children, Mary born 1706, Thomas 
1707, Anna 1708, Samuel 1710, Thankful 1712, Edward 
1713, David 1715, Mary 1717, James 1718, Martha 1724, 
Content 1726, Daniel 1728. Of these, 

Thomas married Sarah Bailey 1740, and had children, 
Thomas, who married Hannah, the daughter of Dea. Joseph 
Clap, of Black pond hill, and whose son Bailey Jenkins is 
living, and has a family. Gera, who married Lillis Colman, 
1766, and has sons Gera, Capt. Colman, Capt. Elijah, 
Capt. Oliver, (of Quincy), and Israel, Dea. Samuel (son of 
Edward, 2d.) married Rebecca White, 1740, his children, 
Edward born 1741, Samuel 1742, Joshua 1744, Ebenezer 
1745, (died young), Rebecca 1747, Nathaniel 1748, died 
early, Martha 1750, Nathaniel 1752, died young, Caleb 1754, 
died early, Joseph 1757, Caleb 1758, Abigail 1759, Sarah 
1761. Dea. Samuel lived nearly a century. Of his sons: 

Edivard, od. married Jerusha Neal 1764, and left a son 
Charles, who married Jane Collier 1785. He was then of 
Bridgewater, and his sons William and Noble Everett are of 
Boston. 

Samuel (son of Dea. Samuel) married Abigail Cole 1771. 
Children, Samuel born 1772, Abigail 1774, Nathaniel 1776, 
George 1779, Sarah 1782, Nancy 1784, Sophia 1786. Capt. 
Joshua (son of Dea. Samuel) married widow Ruth Sparrell, 
1778 : his son Capt. Davis Jenkins, by a first wife, was lost at 
sea, 1819, and Joshua by his second wife, was also lost at sea, 
and Capt. Joshua himself. 

Joseph (son of Dea. Samuel) removed to Sandy river, Maine, 
where he has a family. 

Caleb (son of Dea. Samuel) married Elizabeth Tilson of 
Plymouth, 1791, and had sons Peres, Peleg, (of Bridgewater), 
and Nathan, who died young. 



296 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

David (son of Edward 2d.) removed to Abington, where he 
has posterity. He married Elizabeth Merritt 1741. 

James (son of Edward, 2d.) married Mary Vinal 1746, and 
left children, Mary born 1747, James 1749, Peleg 1751, (died 
early), Gideon 1753, Calvin 1758, Of these James, jr. mar- 
ried Kiuh Lincoln 1774, and had children, Polly born 1775, 
Ruth 1777, James 1779, Cmnmings 1782, Isaac 1784, Ruth 
1788. Gideon married Mercy Lincoln of Cohasset, 1777, and 
left children, Capt, Peleg of Scituate Harbour, born 1779, 
Luther 1780, Nancy 1783, (widow of Capt. Davis Jenkins), 
Gideon 1785, Mercy 1789, Josiah 1791, Solon 1793, (who 
married Hannah, daughter of Charles Cole), Shadrach 1796, 
Clarissa 1799, Chloe 1802. Calvin married Elizabeth Litch- 
field 1781, and has sons Calvin and others. 

Daniel (son of Edward, 2d.) married Elizabeth Nichols 
1759, and had children, Daniel born 1760, Elizabeth 1761, 
Paul 1762, (now living in Scituate), Silas 1764, died early, 
Bathsheba, (wife of Dr. Benjamin Stockbridge), Elizabeth 
1768, Ruth 1772, Noah 1776. 



Serj. HUMPHREY JOHNSON 

was in Scituate 1651, and purchased lands of William Hatch, 
on the north of Cornet Stetson's farm, a deep ravine dividing 
the two farms. His house stood near the bank of that ravine : 
it was afterward owned by Joshua Lincoln. He had also 
several houses by purchase, and claimed to be successor in 
division of common lands, to Resolved White and Josiah 
Holmes. His wife's name was Eleanor, probably of Hingham : 
and Johnson removed to Hingham 1673. His children, John 
born 1653, Joseph 1655, Benjamin 1657, Margaret 1659, 
Mary 1663, Isaac 1667, born in Scituate, and Joseph 1676, 
born in Hingham. Serj. Johnson was a capable man in publick 
affairs, and often employed in Town business, in the early part 
of his life : but he had an uncommon inclination to law suits, 
and few men have left on the records of the Court, so many 
evidences of his litigious disposition — some of which we select. 
In 1683, he commenced a suit against the Town for three 
shares in common lands. He had removed his residence out 
of the Colony ten years before, and the Town considered that 
his right to common lands was thereby cancelled. He, howev- 
er, recovered an execution, and John Cushing, Samuel Clap 
and Jeremiah Hatch, were appointed to set off lands to satisfy 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 297 

ihe execution.* Again, 1687, wlien Sir Edmund Andros, 
Governor General, and his Council had the sole control of 
affairs, Johnson went with complaints to the Governor, "that 
he had not had his full rights in Scituate." The Town heing 
notified, thus remonstrated and answered that Johnson's claims 
had all been satisfied : " that the original writ and process there- 
upon was altogether tortious and wrong, and yet what was 
obtained by judgment of Court had been satisfied." Never- 
theless, Johnson was furnished with a warrant from Andros, 
and came with his surveyor, and laid out one hundred acres 
at the head of Richard Dwelley's lot — one hundred acres at 
Burnt plain, and one hundred acres at HaHfax cedar swamp. 
On this the Town address the Governor (by John Gushing and 
Samuel Clap, agents,) in a very spirited declaration, showing 
that much of the land laid out by Johnson had already been 
appropriated to others — that Johnson " had already been ac- 
commodated with thrice sixty-five acres to the full amount of 
his claim as principal and successor to two others." We 
believe this grant was never confirmed, and probably the over- 
throw of Andros and his miserable oligarchy, a few months 
after the date of the above declaration, put an end to Johnson's 
hopes and projects. Johnson's swamp in Scituate, (near Hing- 
ham line, in the beaches), derived its name from Johnson's 
trespass, for which the Town recovered damages. We ob- 
serve in Colony records, 1G73, "Humphry Johnson being 
convicted of removing a land mark, near the land of Thomas 
Hyland, sen. for the boldness and insolency in coming into this 
Government to do this act, is fined 5£." Also same year, 
" Humphry Johnson having come into this Government without 
leave of the Governor and two of the Assistants, (contrary to 
law), is now ordered to remove his dweUing and cottage erected 
within the town of Scituate, within one month from the date 
hereof, or else order shall be given for the pulling down therof." 



JOHN JONES. 

Thomas and Robert Jones were amongst the first settlers of 
Hingham, having lands assigned them in 1637 and 8. There 
was a John Jones of Cambridge, 1640, and afterward of Con- 
cord, who was brother (according to tradition) of Thomas and 



* See Appendix II. 

38 



298 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Robert, Robert had a family in Hingham, viz. Robert, bora 
probably in England. Ephraim born in Hingham 1649. John 
1G52, Lydia 1655, Joseph 1658, Thomas 1659. Most of 
these removed. Robert, jr. had a son Robert, born in Hing- 
ham, 1666. 

Thomas (the eldest of the three) left a numerous posterity 
in Hingham, viz. Joseph, born probably in England, Benjamin 
in Hingham, 1637, Thomas 1640, Mary 1643. 

Joseph married Patience 1659. Children, Joseph born 

1660, Benjamin 1662, Patience 1665, Anna 1667, Ruth 
1669, Sarah 1771, Ephraim 1773, Mary 1776, Thomas 1779. 
The house of Joseph was "over the river," that is, towards 
mount Blue. It was burnt by the Indians 1676. 

Joseph, jr. married Sarah 1689, and had children, 

Joseph born 1690, Patience 1693, Abigail 1694, Ebenezer 
1695, died early, Ebenezer 1698, Elisha 1700, Amos 1702, 
John 1704: the latter removed to Marshfield, married Ruth 
Hatch 1738, and had sons, Samuel born 1739, Amos 1742, 
baptized in Scituate second Church. 

Benjamin (son of Joseph, sen.) married Susanna Beal 1686, 
(she died 1689, and her son Benjamin was born same year), 
Thomas born 1697, by a second wife, Patience. Benjamin, jr. 
married Mary Jordan, and had sons, David born 1721, Jona- 
than 1723, Daniel 1726. 

Ephraim (son of Joseph, sen.) married Margaret Fearing 
1708, and left a family. 

Thomas (youngest son of Joseph, sen.) married Katharine 
Caswell 1703, and had children, Joanna born 1705, Lydia 
1706, Thomas 1711, died early, Thomas 1714, Sarah 1717. 

Thomas (only son) married Mary Marsh 1737, and had sons, 
Thomas born 1739, and John, at the head of this article. He 
married Lucy Wilder of Hingham, 1779, and removed to 
Scituate, 1799. His wife deceased 1831. The place of his 
residence is a half mile south of Cushing hill. His children, 
John, who married the daughter of Michael Lapham, and re- 
sides at Cushing hill : Charles, who married Betsey Nichols, 
and resides at the seat of the late Judge Nathan Cushing: 
Isaac of Boston, Thomas of Scituate, and daughters Bathsheba, 
widow of Melzar Daman, Elizabeth, wife of Elijah Randall, 
Lydia, and Lucy, wife of John Ewell of Medford. 

There was an Isaac Jones, called of Boston, who married 
Hannah Perry 1716, and lived at Wild cat hill. His family 
removed. Isaac, his son, was baptized 1717. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 299 



JOHN JORDON 



was in Scituate 1750. His last house was at the south end of 
Jordan lane. His sons David and Nathaniel are deceased. 
Peleg is living. Jonathan was drowned at tlie mouth of the 
North river, July 4, 1776. The wife of Luther Daman, sen. 
was the daughter of Nathaniel. John Jordon occupied a house 
at Gillman plain in 1755, and in 1775, he occupied the place 
where Judge Nathan Cushing's mansion stands. 



HENRY JOSSELYN 

came into Scituate 1669, and family tradition asserts, from 
Black point, now Scarboro : he is therefore supposed to have 
been the son of Henry Josselyn, who had been an important 
man in the government of Georgiana, and nephew of "John 
Josselyn, Gentleman," the author of " New England's Rarhies," 
and other books. Henry Josselyn married Abigail, daughter 
of Charles Stockbridge, 1676. His residence was in the field 
fifty rods east of Judge William Cushing's farm house. His 
children, Abigail born 1677, Abraham 1678, Anna 1680, (died 
early), Charles 1682, Mary 1684, Nathaniel 1686, Rebecca 
1689, Jabez 1690, Jemima and Keziah 1695, Henry 1697, 
Joseph 1699, Thomas 1702. 

JYothaniel married Frances Yellings 1711. Children, Mary 
born 1712, Nathaniel 1722. 

Henry, jr. married Hannah 1721, daughter Lydia bora 

1722. He was in Hanover after that town was incorporated. 

Jabez married Sarah Turner 1722, and removed to Pem- 
broke. Thomas and Charles settled in Pembroke. Joseph 
deceased in Abington, 1726, leaving "a widow Sarah, sons 
Joseph, Ebenezer and Abraham, daughters Hannah, Beatrice, 
Mary Bates and Sarah Porter." (Probate Records). 

EPHRAIM KEMPTON ("Taylor") 

was the son of Ephraim of Plymouth, and came probably with 
his father in the ship Ann, 1623. He purchased Elder Henry 
Cobb's eighty acre lot on the North river, at the block-house. 
He married Joanna, the daughter of Thomas Rawlins, 1645. 
His children, Joanna born 1646, Patience 1648, Ephraim 



300 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

1649, Manasseh 1G51. He died in Scituate, 1655, and his 
wife Joanna 1G56. The farm was sold to John James a few 
years after. Some of the descendants may be in New Bedford. 
There was a Manasseh Kempton, who had lands in Scituate 
1643: he probably lived in Plymouth. 



GEORGE KENDRICK 

was one of the members dismissed from Plymouth Church, 
1G34, " in case they join in a body at Scituate." He had lands 
in Scituate 1633: was a freeman 1635. His house lot was 
on Kent street, the second south of the drift way, between 
Elder Tilden's and Isaac Stedman's. He had a lot on third 
cliff, between the lots of John Hanmer and William Dauckinges : 
also marsh near Stony cove. He was a volunteer soldier in 
the Pequod war. He disappears from our records 1638. In 
1645, when he sold one hundred and sixty acres of land on 
North river to William Randal], (near Till's or Dwelly's 
creek), he was in Boston. There is no record of his family 
here. In Boston there is the record of Joseph, born 1639, 
and Deborah 1646. George Kendrick, who took the oath of 
fidelity in Rehoboth, 1658, may have been his son, but was 
not the same who had lands in Scituate 1633. George of 
Rehoboth had a son Isaac born 1675. There was also Thomas 
Kendrick of Rehoboth, whose daughter Mary was born 1680. 



JOHN KENT (shipwright) 

was in Scituate 1698. He probably came from Charlestown. 
His wife was Sarah. His children Ebenezer, Benjamin, 
Sarah, Samuel, Ezekiel, Nathaniel, born from 1699 to 1705. 
Ebenezer, his brother, was in Scituate, and had two sons, 
Ebenezer and Isaac born 1712, and daughters Abigail, Mercy 
and Elizabeth. 

David Kent, the last of the name in Scituate, married Lydia 
Daman 1773. He was son of David of Boston, who married 
Abigail Daman 1744. He deceased 1825. His son was 
Samuel of South Boston, also deceased. His daughters the 
wives of Thomas Lapham and Perkins Clap. 

Joseph Kent of Charlestown married Rebecca Chittenden 
of Scituate, 1702. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



Elder THOMAS KING 



301 



came into Scituate with Mr William Vassal), 1634 or 5, and 
built his house a few rods south of Mr Vassall's, on the top of 
the hill at Belle house neck. He also had lands on the north 
side of Rotten marsh, where Dea. Thomas his son had a house 
1666. His children were Rhoda born 1639, George 1642, 
Thomas 1645, Daniel 1647, Sarah 1650, and John 1652. 
His wife Sarah died 1652, and he married Jane, the widow of 
Elder William Hatch, and was chosen to succeed Elder Hatch 
in the second Church. His second wife deceased the same 
year. The name of his third wife was Anne. Of these 
children John died early, Daniel settled in Marshfield, Rhoda 
married John Rogers, Sarah married Elisha Bisby, jr. George 
died early or removed. 

Dea. Thomas continued the name in Scituate. He married 
Elizabeth, daughter of Dea. Thomas Clap, 1669. She de- 
ceased 1698, and he married Deborah Briggs 1699: she 
deceased 1711, and Dea. Thomas the same year. He pur- 
chased Nathaniel Rawlins' farm, at Stoney cove brook, before 
1680. His children, Sarah born 1669, Thomas 1671, Jane 
1673, Daniel 1675, John 1677, Mercy 1678, Ichabod 1680, 
George 1682, Anna 1684. Of these, Thomas died early, 
Ichabod had a son Thomas born 1703, and removed soon after. 
John married Sarah Whiton of Hingham, 1706, and lived, we 
believe, in Marshfield, as did Daniel and Ichabod. Daniel had 
two sons and two daughters, Elizabeth, Daniel, Robert, Mehit- 
abel, born from 1702, to 1709. This family removed. Dea. 
George inherited the farm south of Stoney cove brook, which 
had been originally Anthony Annable's land, then the farm of 
Rawlins, then Dea. Thomas King's. Dea. George King mar- 
ried Deborah Briggs 1710. Deborah, Rhoda, (wife of John 
James), Lydia, (wife of Joseph Gushing), and Sarah,' were his 
children. He died in Scituate. Some descendants of Elder 
King are in Abington. 

Elder King's will, dated 1691, gives "to wife Anne — to 
daughter Sarah Besby land at Gravelly beach — To grandsons 
John and Thomas Rogers 10£ each. Item : it is my will that 
Robin, my negro, be set free, and receive of my estate a bed 
and 5£ in money — Item : to son Thomas all my property not 
otherwise disposed of in New and Old England." 

Dea. Thomas King's will, dated 1711, gives "to son Daniel 
the homestead ; (of Elder Thomas King, late deceased, on the 



302 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

neck) ; he allowing daughter Anne to live in the house. To 
son John a farm in Marshfield. To son George the farm where 
I now dwell, also a lot adjoining my brother Samuel Clap's 
land. To daughter Mercy Winslow 30£. To daughter Anne 
King 30£. To son Ichabod, &;c." 

There was a John King in Weymouth, whose daughter Mary 
was born 1634.* 



JOHN LAMBERT, 

from Hingham, was in Scituate 1693, when his son John was 
born. Some descendants of this name have remained until 
within a few years. Henry, Daniel and Zachariah were sol- 
diers in the French war. These were sons of Thomas. 
Edmund Bowker, late deceased, married his daughter. 



THOMAS LAPHAM 

was in Scituate 1640. His residence was near the harbour. 
He married Mary, daughter of Elder Nathaniel Tilden. His 
children, Thomas born 1643, Rebecca 1645, Joseph 1648, 
Elizabeth, Mary and Lydia : the latter was the wife of Samuel 
Bates of Hingham, 1666. 

Thomas, jr. settled in Marshfield, where several generations 
of his family have lived. His children were Joseph born 1670, 
Samuel 1676, Lydia 1677, (and by a second wife), Mary 
born 1704. 

The sons of Joseph were Joseph born 1709, Ichabod 1711. 

The sons of Samuel were David born 1706, Joshua 1710, 
Amos 1717. 

David (of Marshfield) was father of Thomas, who settled at 
Studley hill in Scituate, and whose sons were Thomas, Israel, 
Michael and Charles, and whose daughters were the wives of 
Noah Barrell, Ashur Sprague and Nash (of Hanover). 

Daniel Lapham removed to Pittsfield, and David to Nor- 
wich, (sons of David) . This was a numerous family. Stephen, 
another son of David, has a son Isaac of York. Thomas (son 
of Thomas) has sons Thomas and Israel at South Boston. 
Michael married Sarah, daughter of the last James Cushing, of 

* There was Samuel King in Plymouth 1649, whose sons were Samuel 
and Isaac. The Kings of Taunton probably are descendants. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 303 

Gushing hill, and left daughters, viz. the wife of John Jones, 
the wife of Allen Gushing of Hingham, and another. Israel 
deceased many years since, his widow married Dea. John 
Jacobs of Hingham. Gharles left sons WiUiani and Henry, 
and daughters, viz. the wives of Nathaniel Brooks, Theophilus 
Gushing of Hingham, and Elijah Glap, 3d. 



GEORGE LEWIS (clothier) 

was one of those dismissed from Plymouth Ghurch in 1634, 
" in case they join in a body at Scituate." He had lands here 
in 1633. His house lot was on Kent street, the first south of 
Meeting-house lane. He came from East Greenwich in Kent. 
He married Sarah Jenkins in England, sister of Edward 
Jenkins. There is no regular record of his children : some 
having been born in England, others in Plymouth, others in 
Scituate, and two in Barnstable. They were Mary, born as 
early as 1623, (married John Bryant of Scituate, 1643), 
Thomas, George, James, John 1637, Ephraim* 1641, Sarah 
1643, Nathaniel 1645, Joseph 1647. The last four born at 
Barnstable, whither George Lewis removed in 1640. He 
died intestate, 1662. Probate Records. 

Thomas married Mary Davis 1653. His children were 
James born 1654, Thomas 1656, Mary 1659, and probably 
others at Barnstable. He removed to Swansey, where were 
born Samuel 1672, Hepzibah 1674. 

George, jr. married Mary, daughter of Bernard Lombard, 
1654: we have seen no record of his children. 

James lived at Barnstable, and married Sarah Lane 1655. 
He was a selectman of Barnstable in 1660, and subsequently. 
He had sons John born 1656, and Samuel 1659, and eight 
other children. 

John was killed with Gapt. Pierce in the Rehoboth battle, 
1676. 

Joseph married Mary Jones 1671, and had children, Joseph 
born 1672, Sybil 1674. The next year he was killed at 
Swansey by the Indians. Hon. James Lewis of Pepperell, 
Massachusetts, descended from this branch of the family. 

Nathaniel also removed to Swansey, where his son Nathan- 
iel was born 1673. Nathaniel deceased at Swansey 1683. 
October 13th. Joseph Lewis " of Barnstable," married Sarah 

* So recorded in the Colony records — but we think it should be Edward. 



304 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Marsh, daughter of Thomas Marsh of Hingharn, February 3cl, 
1702-3, and resided at Hingham. We suppose this to have 
been the son of Joseph, who was killed at Swansey. His 
children, Joseph born 1705, died early, Thomas 1707, who 
married Mary Lawson 1736: Paul born 1710, who married 

Hannah 1733, and had a son. Urbane 173G: James 

1712, Jonathan 1714, who married Lydia Stodder 1740: and 
(by a second wife Elizabeth) Hannah born 1723, died early, 
Samuel 1724, died early, Israel 1727, died early, Hannah 
1731, Joseph 1736. 

John (son of James born 165G) settled in Hingham: mai*- 
ried Hannah Lincoln 1684, and had nine children, of whom 
Rev. Daniel, minister of Pembroke, was born 16S5. Rev. 
Isaiah, minister of Wellfleet, married into the family of Winslow : 
from the latter have descended Winslow Lewis, and other 
respectable families in Boston. 

JOHN LEWIS, 

a brother of George, sen. was freeman in Scituate 1637, and 
had a house lot on Kent street, the fourth south of the drift 
way. He disappears early from our records, and we have 
discovered no traces of a family. 

MORDECAI LINCOLN, 

son of Samuel of Hingham, born 1651, settled at Bound brook 
bridge, 1700. He built a spacious house east of the brook, 
and erected Lincoln's mills. At this place Caleb Lincoln 
lately deceased, son of Jacob, and the grandson of Mordecai. 
The widow Mary, of Joseph Eellmes, another of his grand- 
children, is now living, more than ninety-three years of age, 
born June 1,1738. Their father was Jacob. Mordecai, jr. 
married Abigail, the daughter of Rev. Nathaniel Eells, 1756, 
and removed to Taunton. 

Isaac, another son of Jacob, had Solomon, Isaac, William, 
Jacob, John, George, and James, (the latter a Revolutionary 
soldier, born June 20, 1752, and now living). 

ROBERT LINNET 

was a freeman in Scituate 1639, and the next year removed 
to Barnstable. We notice in the Colony records, 1669, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



305 



"Penninah, the widow of Robert Linnet, entered a complaint 
that her son Robert had kept back property given her by her 
husband," Abigail, the daughter of Robert, sen. married 
Joshua Lombard of Barnstable, 1650. 



LAWRENCE LITCHFIELD 

was in Barnstable, where he bore arms 1643. His children 
were Experience, Remembrance, Josiah and Dependance, the 
last being the only birth of the family on our records, (1646), 
we conclude the others may have been born at Barnstable. 

Experience was a freeman 1668, but we find no record of 
his family. Remembrance married Lewis of Barnstable. 

Josiah born 1647, (Colony Records), married Sarah, the 
daughter of Rev. Nicholas Baker, of the first Church in Scit- 
uate, 1671. His children were Hannah born 1672, Sarah 
1674, Josiah 1677, Nicholas 1680, Experience 1683, Judith 
1687, Samuel 1690: of these children, 

Josiah married JMary Briggs 1712. Children, Mary born 
1715, Josiah 1716. 

JVicholas married Bathsheba Clark 1704. Children, Ex- 
perience born 1705, Josiah 1706, Nicholas 1707, Bathsheba 
1709, James 1711, John 1712, Israel 1714, Eleazer 1715, 
Susanna 1717, Isaac 1719, Thomas 17*21. 

Samuel married Abigail Buck 1712. Children, Samuel 
born 1715, Abigail 1716, Sarah 1718, Judith 1720, Hannah 
1721, Experience 1723, Deborah J 725, Nathaniel 1727, 
Remember 1728, Ruth 1730. This may enable most of the 
present generation to trace their descent. 

Rev. Paul Litchfield, late of Carlisle, was of the sixth gen- 
eration, having descended from Lawrence through Josiah, 
Nicholas, Thomas and Paul. Rev. Joseph Litchfield, late of 
York, was of the fifth generation, having descended from Law- 
rence, through Josiah, Josiah and Josiah. 

Dea. Israel Litchfield is of the fifth generation, having 
descended from Lawrence, through Josiah, Nicholas and 
Josiah. 

Two of the sons of Nicholas (Israel and John) settled in 
Canterbury, Conn. 1743, and have many descendants. No 
family perhaps in the country has increased to a greater extent. 
Dea. Israel, named above, had prepared a genealogical table 
in 1820, of one hundred and ten families. 
39 



306 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

We illustrate the early history of this family, by a few notes 
from the Colony records. 

1657, "Judith, the wife of William Peaks testifieth that her 
former husband, Lawrence Litchfield, lying on his death bed, 
did send for John Allen and Ann his wife, and desired to give 
their youngest son Josiah, to be their adopted child — where- 
nnto all consented. 

Signed, "John Allen, 
Ann Allen, 
Judith Peaks." 

1662, "Judith, the wife of William Peaks, petitioned that 
her son Josiah Litchfield, the adopted son of John Allen, might 
be allowed to choose two guardians," (granted). 

1665, "The Court did sanction an agreement between 
Lieut. James Torrey and Robert Stetson, guardians to Josiah 
Litchfield on one side, and Anna his mother, (wife of Law- 
rence Litchfield, and some time the wife of John Allen), con- 
cerning the improvement of his property." Here is undoubtedly 
a mistake in the records ; Anna was the wife of John Allen, 
and the mother of Josiah Litchfield by adoption: Judith Peaks 
was his natural mother, some time the wife of Lawrence Litch- 
field, and some time a wife of John Allen, and separated or 
divorced in England. 

1668, "Josiah Litchfield having become of age. Major 
Josiah Winslow is appointed to see him put in possession of his 
land, a legacy from John Allen." 

1673, "Verdict — that Experience Litchfield came by his 
death in attem})ting to carry a heavy stick of timber on board 
a boat, at Rhodolphus Eellme's landing place, at Hoop-pole 
neck, his feet slipping up, and he falling on a plank, and the 
timber on his head, he dying at his father's house [perhaps late 
father's] the same day." 

Same year, "The Court ordered that Josias Litchfield, 
brother of Experience Litchfield, deceased, shall have his land, 
and the remainder of his estate shall be divided equally between 
his two sisters, Remember Lewis and Dependance Litchfield." 

DAVID LITTLE, Esq. 

was from Marshfield, 1700. He often laboured in publick 
affairs in the Town, and practised as a lawyer. His children 
Ephraim, David, Nathaniel, Elizabeth, Mary and Barnabas, 
born from 1708 to 1721. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 307 

Ephraim graduated at Harvard College 1728, was minister 
of Hebron, Connecticut. 

David resided in Scituate, was often employed in publick 
business: left no family. He married Deborah Clap 1734. 

Barnabas was a public spirited and useful man, and distin- 
guished for his zeal in promoting the American cause in 1776 : 
he left no family. 

The family residence was north of " Hatchet rock," now the 
residence of Mr John Otis. 

Capt. James Little, a man of enterprise, at the Harbour in 
1800, and whose daughters were married to Ensign Otis, and 
Dr. Elisha James, was from Marshfield, and a connexion of 
the family above. They were descendants of Thomas Litde, 
of Plymouth, until 1650, (at which date his son Ephraim was 
born), and afterward of Marshfield. He married Ann Warren 
1633.* He died 1671. 



BARNARD LOMBARD, 

one of the men of Kent, was in Scituate 1633, and freeman 
1636. His house lot was on Kent street, the second on the 
Green field, adjoining Samuel Fuller's, which was on his north 
side. He removed to Barnstable, 1640. He was an ensign 
of the military company of Barnstable, 1652. His son Jabez 
born 1642, at Barnstable, Mary and Martha, and Joshua, were 
probably born in Scituate. 

Jabez married Sarah, daughter of Matthew Darby, 1660, 
Joshua married Abigail Linnet 1650, and had sons Jonathan 
born 1657, Joshua 1660. Jf«ry married George Lewis, jr. 
1654. Martha married John Martin 1657. 



* Thomas Little, who married Ann Warren 1G33, had sons Ephraim and 
Isaac, and perhaps others. Ephraim married Mary Sturtevant 1G72. His 
son Ephraim born 1673, graduated at Harvard College 1695, and was a 
minister of Plymouth. 

^ Lieut. Isaac had sons, David, Esq. born 1630, (of Scituate, as noted above), 
Thomas born 1676, graduated at Harvard College 1695 ; he was a lawyer, 
and died early, as has been the tradition ; Capt. Isaac born 1677, was a man 
of distinction in Marshfield. Charles born 1685, Nathaniel 1690, William 
1691. From Capt. Isaac, we have been told, descended the late brave master 
of the Boston frigate, Capt. George — whose sons — George was a lawyer 
in Scituate, and deceased 1811, Amos was unfortunately killed by his cousin, 
Luther Little of Marshfield, in 1815, in a fit of insanity. They were shooting 
pigeons together at " Belle house neck," in Scituate. Amos was Town 
Clerk at the time of his death. Edward, the only surviving son of Capt. 
George, resides on the paternal farm, near Little's bridge. 



308 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

One of the most distinguished descendants of this family was 
Solomon Lombard, born at Barnstable, 1701, graduated at 
Harvard College 1722, settled in the ministry at Gorham, 
Maine; he entertained more liberal sentiments than were toler- 
ated by his brethren in his vicinity, which induced him to retire. 
He was afterward Judge of the Court in Cumberland County : 
a very active patriot in the Revolution, and drafted most of the 
publick papers of the time, relating to the Revolution, in that 
County. E. H. Lombard, Esq. of Hallowell, is his grandson. 

Barnard Lombard had probably a brother Thomas at Barn- 
stable, freeman 1G41, whose sons were Jedidiah born 1640, 
Benjamin 1G42, and Caleb. Jedidiah had three sons, of one 
birth, 1671, Joseph, Benjamin and Jeremiah. We notice in 
the Colony records, " Richard Berry, Jedidiah Lombard, 
Benjamin Lombard, and James Maker, fined for smoking 
tobacco at the end of Yarmouth Meeting-house on the Lord's 
day." Faithful tradition informs us, that the early settlers 
were greatly addicted to smoking, and that they would often 
disturb divine service by the klicking of flints and steel, to light 
their pipes, and the clouds of smoke in the Church. Hence 
that law of the Colony, passed 1669 : "It is enacted that any 
person or persons that shall be found smoking of tobacco on 
the Lord's day, going to or coming from the meetings, within 
two miles of the Meeting-house, shall pay 12 pence for every 
such default, for the Colonie's use, to be increased," &c. 

Richard Lombard was in Scituate 1640. He returned to 
Tenterden, England, (see Elder N. Tilden's will). 



JOHN LOWELL 

appears in Scituate 1658, when he was married to Elizabeth, 
daughter of Richard Sylvester, and is called in the records, 
John Lowell of Boston. His children baptized in the second 
Church in Scituate, were John born 1660, Joseph 1662, 
Patience 1663, Elizabeth 1664. He brought another child to 
baptism in Scituate, viz. Phcbe 1667, when he is called John 
Lowell of Rehoboth. He had a second wife 1666, Naomi, 
the sister of his former wife, by whom he had children, Marga- 
ret born 1667, Samuel 1669. 

He seems to have been in Rehoboth 1670, as we observe in 
the Colony records, 1670, "John Lowell, jr. (with consent of 
John Lowell, sen. of Rehoboth) made choice of Joseph Sylves- 
ter of Scituate, to be his guardian." John, sen. died 1694, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 309 

in Boston, and Naomi his widow administered. The name in 
the Probate records is Lowle. 

The late Judge John Lowell, (father of Hon. John and Rev. 
Dr. Charles of Boston), was the son of John, whose father was 
Ebenezer, whose father was probably the John Lowell, jr. 
named in the above extract from the Colony records, or of 
Joseph. John died in Bristol, England, 1701, and his brother 
Joseph of Boston administered on his estate. An Ebenezer 
Lovyell, or Lowle, died 1711, and his widow Elizabeth ad- 
ministered. 

JOHN MAGOON (early Mc Goun) 

was a freeholder 1GG6. He lived in "the Two mile." He 
had also a considerable tract of land on the west side of North 
river, near Hugh's cross, and Cornet's pond. His children, 
John born 1668, Ellas 1673, Isaac 1675. This family have 
descendants in Marshfield and Pembroke. 



JOHN MANSEL 

married Leah Simons 1744. His sons John born 1745, Joseph 
1750, William 1754, Peleg 1757, and several daughters. 
John married Sarah Price 1766. This family removed to 
Maine. 

SETH MAYO 

married . His children, Lydia, John, Jane, and 

William, born from 1751 to 1759. 



RICHARD MAN (planter) 

was a youth in Elder Brewster's family, and came to Plymouth 
in the Mayflower, 1620. He was one of the Conihassett 
partners in Scituate, 1646. His farm was at Man hill, (a well 
known place to this day), south of great Musquashcut pond 
and north of John Hoar's farm. There is no record of his 
marriage here. His children, Nathaniel born 1646, Thomas 
1650, Richard 1652, Josiah 1654. 

JVathaniel lived in Scituate, but left no family. In 1680, 
he made over his estate to his brothers Richard and Thomas, 



310 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

and took a bond for support. This was on account of infirm 
health. (Scit. Rec. Vol. 6.) See Appendix II. 

Josiah deceased early or removed. 

Thomas had children, Josiah born 1676, Thomas 1681, 
Sarah 1684, Mary 1688, Elizabeth 1692, Joseph 1694, Ben- 
jamin 1697.* Thomas had lands at Rehoboth, and probably 
deceased there. He was in the Rehoboth battle, with Capt. 
Pierce, 1676, and was severely wounded. 

Richard had children, John born 1684, Rebecca 1686, 
Hannah 1689, Nathaniel 1693, Richard 1694, Elizabeth 1696, 
Abigail 1698. 

John Man, a descendant of this family, lives in the neigh- 
borhood of Man hill. Rebecca, widow of Richard, sen. 
married John Coweh, 1656. 



JOHN MANSON, 

of Scituate harbour, married Meriam Curtis 1755. His son 
Capt. John, and grandson Capt. John, jr. are living and have 
families. 

GERSHOM MARBLE, 

from Boston, married Waitstill Ingle, in Scituate, 1697, and 
had children, John born 1700, Ephraim 1702, David 1704, 
Nathaniel 1706. This family removed early. David was in 
Scituate 1748 ; when his son Nathaniel was born. 



HENRY MASON 

had lands in Scituate 1650: he soon removed. 

WILLIAM MELLUS, 

from Dorchester, married Jael Chittenden 1711, and Sarah 
Balch 1716. His children, Abigail born 1712, William 1718, 

* Benjamin (son of Thomas) was the first of the family who settled in 
that part of Scituate which is now Hanover. He married Martha Curtis 
1724. Benjamin, his son, married Gill — Bailey — and Dunbar. His sons 
were the late Capt. Joshua and others, perhaps — and the sons of Capt. 
Joshua (whose wife was Mary Gushing of Hingham) are Benjamin, Esq. 
and others. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. f^P^j 3ll 

John 1721, Abigail 1725. The widow of Wihiam, sen. (Sarah) 
married Dea. Samuel Stodder 1749. Abigail married Isaac 
Lincoln 1738. This family resided in the north parish. John 
removed early. William had children in Scituate, viz. Sarah 
Hart 1741, and others. 



HENRY MERRITT 

was one of the earliest settlers of Scituate, though not a free- 
man until 1638. There is a deed in the Colony records, dated 
1628, from Henry Merritt to Nathaniel Tilden, conveying 
planting lands on the third cliff, (see p. 8.) He was doubtless 
amongst the first settlers as early as 1626. His house lot in 
1633, was at the corner where Greenfield lane and "the 
drift way " united : we believe it is now known as Merritt's 
corner. He had large shares in the New Harbour marshes. 
He was also one of the Conihassett partners. He had a son 
Henry, who deceased (without a family, probably) before 1673, 
Henry, sen. deceased 1653, and John administered. 

John, the only son that left posterity here, succeeded to his 
father's residence. His sons were John, Henry and Jonathan, 
but we find no record of their births. Their father died in 
middle life. 

Jonathan, the youngest son, had lands assigned him, and 
was living in 1699 : but we find no trace of a family. 

John, jr. left children, John born 1687, Thomas 1688, 
Ehzabeth 1690, Mary 1692, Ichabod 1695, Hannah 1696, 
Henry 1699, Abigail 1700, (wife of Edward Jenkins 1728), 
Jonathan 1702, David 1703, Ebenezer 1705, Ezekiel 1709. — 
Most of these left families. 

John married Hannah Peaks 1727, but left no children, 
probably. 

Thomas married Abigail Wood worth 1711, and had children, 
Agatha 1711, Abigail 1714, Amy 1716, Mary 1718, Tho- 
mas 1721. 

Ichabod left a son Joseph, born 1729, who probably removed. 

Jonathan married Mehitabel Daman 1727, and had a son 
Simeon, born 1728. This family removed to Hebron, Conn, 
before 1736. 

David married Hannah Barrell 1736, and had children, 
Lydia 1737, David 1740, John 1743, Hannah 1748. 

Ezekiel married Rachel Vinal 1758, and left no family on 
record. 



312 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Thomas (son of Thomas) married Jane Nichols 1749, and 
had children, Elizabeth born 1750, Jane 1752, Thomas 1754, 
Jos. 1756, Mary 1760, Charles 1761, Jane 1764, Abigail 1766. 

Henry (son of John, sen.) married Elizabeth Weyborn 1686: 
his children were Jonathan born 1687, Henry 1689, James 
1691, Deborah 1694, Leah 1697, (wife of Benjamin Briggs 
1719), Rachel 1699, (wife of Eleazer Peaks 1718), Isaac 
1702. Of these, Jonathan married EHzabeth Whiton 1710, 
and Elizabeth, the widow of Rev. Nehemiah Hobart of Cohas- 
set, 1740: liis children, Deborah born 1711, (wife of Joseph 
Nash 1730), Nehemiah 1712, (died early), Jonathan 1715, 
Elizabeth 1719, Obadiah 1723. 

Henry, jr. married Hannah Cowen 1712, and had children, 
Hannah born 1713, Mary 171 7, Penelope 1719, Deborah 1720, 
Sarah 1724, Martha 1726, Henry 1728, Ruth 1730. 

James (son of Henry) married Ruth Wade 1716, and had 
children, James born 1717, Elisha 1722, Seth 1724. 

Isaac (son of Henry) married Jerusha Hayden of Braintree, 
1724, and had children, Henry born 1725, Jerusha 1727, 
Rachel 1729, Isaac 1731, Delight 1734. This family re- 
moved to Charlton about 1736, where other sons were born, 
Job, Samuel, and Benjamin. 

Jonathan (son of Jonathan) married Sarah Wade 1741, and 
left sons, Nehemiah, Joshua (who died young) and Daniel, 
(now living). 

Obadiah (son of Jona.) married Deborah Litchfield, and left 
children, Hannah 1747, Lucy 1750, Jonathan 1754, Charles 
1756, Malachi 1757, Noah 1759, Luke 1760, Gamaliel 1761, 
Deborah 1763, Malachi 1765, Ensign 1768, Israel 1770. 

James (son of James) married Elizabeth Cole 1739, and 
had children, Ruth born 1740, James 1745, Mary 1749, 
Amos 1755, Elizabeth 1757, Melzar 1759, Asa 1761. 

Elisha (son of James) married Priscilla Holbrook 1741. 
Children, Priscilla born 1744, Elisha 1746, (died young), 
Henry 1748, (who removed to Kennebunk), and Capt. Con- 
sider, who died 1831, leaving sons Elisha, Benjamin, Consider, 
Henry and Francis. 

Seth (son of James) married Mercy Stodder of Hingham, 
and left sons, the late Dea. Seth, Major Paul, Bai-nabas (died 
early), and Caleb. These have families in Scituate. 

Noah (son of Obadiah) married Elizabeth Bryant 1786. 
His son Obadiah deceased at the South : and his son Noah, a 
gentleman of enterprise, resides at New Orleans. Noah, sen. 
deceased June 1, 1831. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 313 



Capt. GEORGE MORTON, 

a descendant of Secretary Nathaniel Morton of Plymouth, was 
at Scituate harbour, and married Sarah, daughter of Timothy 
White, 1746. His children, George born 1747, Sarah 1753, 
John 1756, Eli 1758, Rebecca 1761. George deceased 1825, 
without children. 



JOHN MITCHEL, 

from Marshfield, married Lydia Hatch in Scituate, 1738, (of 
the Two miles). His children, John born 1739, William 1741, 
Job 1743. His descendants are in Marshfield. 



GEORGE MOORE 

was in the family of Edward Doten, (or Dotey), of Plymouth, 
1630. In 1637, he had a grant of land in Plymouth, west of 
Derby's pond. In 1633 to 1638, he kept the ferry at Jones's 
river, (Kingston), and had there a grant of thirty acres. In 
1643, he bore arms in Scituate. In 1642, he had a large 
tract of land south-west of Stockbridge's mill pond. George 
Moore's swamp and brook and bridge are well known land 
marks, even now. His house was on the road from the mill 
above named to George Moore's brook, on the north-east side, 
and near that brook. In 1664, it appears on the Town records 
that " George Moore having fell into a distracted condition, 
Major James Cudworth and Cornet Stetson obtained leave of 
the honored Corte to sell his lands and appropriate the proceeds 
to his support." George Moore died suddenly, 1677. Jury's 
verdict, "That George Moore came to his death by a fainting 
fit, or a sudden stoppinge of his breath." Rhodolphus EUmes, 
foreman. 

EBENEZER MOTT, 

probably from Braintree, settled in the Conihassett, at Hatchet 
rock. He married Grace Vinal 1700. Children, Ebenezer 
born 1700, Grace 1702, John 1707, Mary 1712, Ehzabeth 
1716, Nathaniel 1720. 

Of these sons, John left a family. Stephen, his son, and 
Stephen, jr. are now living. Lieut. Atwood Mott, a worthy- 
man, (the father of the wives of Nehemiah Merritt, Nathaniel 
Vinal and Laban Rose), was also son of Ebenezer, jr. He 
40 



314 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

married Hannah Hood 1758. Hannah (widow of Laban 
Rose) was wife of Gamaliel Merritt, 1782. 

JOHN NEIL (from Ireland) 

was in Scituate in 1730, or earlier. He established a pottery 
of considerable extent — first at the south side of Wild cat hill, 
and afterward on the nordi side of Studley hill, near the resi- 
dence of late Charles Tolman. He had children, John, (bap- 
tized 1730), Jane 1732, Martha 1734, George 1738. This 
family removed to Maine. 

JOSEPH NEAL 

came from Provincetown about 1700. His house was near 
the head of the cart way that leads to Hobart's landing : he 
purchased of Dea. James Torrey's heirs. The house of 
Joseph, sen. was probably on the west side of the road, oppo- 
site to the " Ncal field," so called. His children were Joseph, 
John, Anne, Thomas, Seth, Lydia, Job, Abigail, born from 
1705 to 1721. 

Job only left a family on record here. He lived on the 
south of the Church hill. Children, John born 1744, Job 
1746, Joseph 1748, Sarah 1751, Job 1753, Lydia 1755, 
Abigail 1759, Lucy 1761. His wife was Sarah Barker. 

JAMES NEWELL, 

an African slave of Mary White, 1690. Mary White had a 
farm in the Conihassett, one mile west of Merritt's brook, and 
she had the singular fancy to marry her slave. Tradition 
speaks of him as a respectable man. Their children, Joshua, 
James, Hezekiah, and four daughters, born from 1691 to 1706. 
James, jr. married Abigail Nichols 1739, and left sons James, 
Levi, Joshua and Daniel, born from 1740 to 1752. They 
have descendants in Scituate. 

JOSEPH NASH, 

whom we suppose to have been a son of James Nash, an 
early settler in Weymouth, had a house and lands in Scituate, 
at Greenfield lane, 1670, which he purchased of Walter Hatch. 
He removed to Boston before 1678, His son Joseph was 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



3} 5 



born in 1678, in Boston, and on coming of age settled in Scit- 
uate, at Stoney cove brook, (afterward the residence of Dr. 
Isaac Otis, and of his son. Dr. James Otis). 

He married Hannah Curtis 1700, and his children were 
Joseph, jr. born 1701, John 1703, Hannah 1705, James 1708, 
Ehzabeth 1709, David 1712, Mary 1713, (died early), Eph- 
raim 1715, Mercy 1718, Simeon 1720, Elisha 1722, Mary 1724. 

Joseph, jr. married Deborah Merritt 1730, and had children 
baptized, Deborah 1733, Delight 1734, Deborah 1737, Joseph 
3d. 1739, Mary 1740. 

John married Hannah Buck 1728, and had children, Pris- 
cilla born 1729, John, jr. 1731, Joseph, 4th. 1732, Noah 1734, 
Zaccheus 1736, Seth 1738, Thomas 1740, (who mai-ried 
Eunice, daughter of George Stetson, 176G). 

James married Sarah Litchfield 1737. Children, Sarah 
born 1743, Mary 1746, James, jr. 1748, Elizabeth 1751, John 
1755, Ruth 1758. 

David married Penelope Merritt 1740, had a daughter 
Miriam born 1746. 

Simeon married Lydia Church, 1740, and died in the French 
war, at Ticonderoga, 1759. His son Thomas is living in 
Scituate, and Samuel married Jerusha Briggs 1783, and re- 
moved to Worcester. 

Joseph, 3d. married Lucy Peaks 1767. Children, Lucy 
born 1770, Solon 1772, Tilon 1774, Nancy 1777. 

Joseph, 4th. married Thankful Hammond 1755; he had a 
son James, who had William and others. 

JVoah married Elizabeth Cudworth 1756. His son is Mr 
John Nash, near the south Meeting-house, whose children are 
Deborah C, John King, Esq. post master, Nathaniel Cushing 
of Boston, Henry, Eliza and Israel. 

James, jr. married Hopestill Agry and Ruth Merritt. Chil- 
dren, Ruth, James, William Agry, Joshua, Sarah, Deborah, 
and David, born from 1777 to 1794. 

Solon married Sarah Bailey 1793, his sons are Joseph, and 
Solon ; the latter is a merchant in Boston. 

N. B. — James of Weymouth was representative from 1655, 
several years. He had a son Jacob, who was representative 
1689 and 90, and a son James, whose posterity is in Weymouth. 

JOHN NICHOLSON 

married Elizabeth Mott 1750. His son John born 1752, 
removed to Boston: he had a sister Lydia born 1653. 



316 FAMILY SKETCHES. 



THOMAS NICHOLS (shipwright) 

had lands near Hobart's landing, on the south-west, 1G45. He 
had a daughter Rebecca, who married Samuel House, jr. 
1664 : a son Israel, and also Ephraim, in Hingham, from whom 
those of Cohasset descended. 

Thomas succeeded to his father's lands in Scituate, and 
married Sarah, the daughter of John Whiston, 1663. His 
children, Sarah born 1668, Rebecca 1670, Joseph 1673, 
Susanna 1676, Mary 1679, Bathsheba 1681, Israel 1683, 
Patience 1685, EHzabeth 1690. Of these sons, Israel probably 
removed. 

Joseph married Bathsheba Pincin 1696, and lived near 
George Moore's bridge. His sons were Joseph, Thomas, 
Noah, (who died, all three in the French war), and Israel, 
Amos, Caleb and Job, from 1696 to 1716. Of these last, 
Israel resided at the paternal spot, near Hobart's landing. His 
sons were Caleb, Noah, Israel, Samuel and Thomas, (which 
last three died in the Revolutionary war), born from 1737 
to 1755. 

Caleb left a family : his son Caleb was killed by a fall from 
his house, south-east of White-oak plain, 1828, and whose 
three sons, Caleb, Henry and Reuben, were unfortunately ship- 
wrecked and lost at Cape Cod, with Capt. Seth Gardner, in 
the Cyrus, August 1830. 

JVoah (also son of Israel), left a family, Nabby, Betsey, 
(wife of Charles Jones), Cynthia, and Lucy, (wife of Chris- 
topher Cushing, Esq. 1818, and of Judge Wood of Middle- 
boro, 1827). 

JOHN NORTHY 

came from Marblehead, 1675, when he married Sarah, the 
daughter of Henry Ewell. He purchased lands of Thomas 
Ingham, north of Walnut tree 1 ill, and his house in 1680, was 
where the house of Joseph Northy, his descendant, now stands : 
Joseph is descended from the primitive John, through James 
born 1687, James born 1719, and Capt. Joseph born 1744. 
James, born 1687, had also a son Eliphalet, who settled east 
of Valley swamp, and whose sons Robert and Abraham are 
living in Scituate, and Eliphalet at Concord, N. H., who 
married Abigail Stodder of Scituate, 1785. 



PAMILY SKETCHES. 317 



THOMAS OLDHAM 

was a householder in Scituate 1650. His house was probably 
near King's landing. He married Mary, daughter of Rev. Mr 
WitherelJ, 1656. His children, Mary, Thomas, Sarah, Han- 
nah, Grace, Isaac, Ruth, Elizabeth, Lydia, born from 1658 
to 1679. He died 1711. Thomas, his son, administrator. 

Thomas, jr. married Mercy, daughter of Robert Sprout, 1683, 
and removed to the Two mile. His descendants are in Pem- 
broke. Mercy, his daughter, married Andrew Newcome of 
Eastham, 1708, and Desire married Samuel Tilden 1717. He 
had a son Joshua (1684) and Mary, twins. 

EMERSON ORCUTT, 

from Abington, settled in Scituate, and married Ann Mansel, 
1736. His children, Emerson, Elijah, Hannah, Seth. Seth 
married Sarah CoUamore : she is now living.* 



ROBERT OSGOOD 

was in Scituate 1690, and resided in the Conihassett. He 
married Sarah, daughter of Anthony Dodson. He left one son 
on record, David born 1700. 



JOHN OTIS (early written Oates) 

was born in Barnstable, Devonshire, England, 1620. He came 
to Hingham, with his father's family, 1635, when John, sen. 
had a house lot assigned him in the first division of lands in that 
town. The family residence was at Otis hill, south west of 
the harbour. John, sen. lost his wife Margaret, June 1653. 
He then removed to Weymouth, and married again, but the 
name of his second wife does not appear. Hobart's journal 
records his death " at Weymouth, May 31, 1657," aged seventy- 
six. His will is dated at Weymouth, the day previous to his 



* There was William Orciit in Scituate, probably grandfather Emerson, 
whose children were John ICGO, Martha 1671, Joseph 1G72, Mary and Han- 
nah 1C74, Thomas 1675, Benjamin 1679, Elizabeth 1682, and Deborah 1683. 



318 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

death, and gives legacies "To daughter Margaret Burton, (she 
was wife of Thomas B.* of Hingham), to daughter Hannah, 
(wife of Thomas Gile), and to her two children, Mary and 
Thomas. To daughters Ann and Alice, (Otis), to wife 40s, 
son John executor." He had also a son Richard, who went 
early to New Hampshire, was captured by the Indians, and 
carried to Canada : but who lived to return to New Hampshire, 
and it is said has posterity living. His will is in Boston Pro- 
bate records, made before he left Weymouth. 

John, whose ])osterity is very numerous, married Mary, 
daughter of Nicholas Jacob of Hingham, 1653. In 1G61, he 
settled in Scituate, on the south of Colman's hills. In 1678, he 
went to Barnstable, and took up " the Otis farm," near Hinck- 
ley lane. He left at Barnstable his eldest son John, and 
returned and deceased in Scituate 1GS3. His monument is in 
" the old burying ground in Meeting-house lane " : it is broken 
and defaced, but legible at this time. His children were John 
born 1657, a daughter 1660, (not named, but mentioned in 
Hobart's journal), Stephen 1661, James 1663, (died in Phipps's 
Canada expedition, 1690), Joseph 1665, Job 1667. The 
eldest daughter was Mary, he had also Hannah and Elizabeth. 
In his will, dated at Scituate, 1683, he gives "To eldest daugh- 
ter Mary, (wife of John Gowin), and daughters Hannah and 
Elizabeth 50£ each. Houses and lands at Hingham and 
Barnstable, to John, Stephen, James and Job. To Joseph 
house and lands in Scituate, after his mother's decease." 

As many of this family are acquainted with the genealogy 
subsequent to the first two generations, we here only remark, 
that John, (third generation), in Barnstable, was the ancestor of 
the distinguished lawyers and patriots of the name of Otis, in 
Barnstable and Boston, to whose fame, no commendation of ours 
can add. Capt. Stephen was the father of Dr. Isaac, the first 
regular bred physician who settled in Scituate, and to whom 
the Town "Voted a setdement of 100£ to encourage him to 
remain in the Town," in 1719. He is remembered by some 
of our aged people as a gentleman of uncommon accomplish- 
ments of person and of mind. His sons. Dr. Isaac settled in 
Bridgewater, and Dr. James in Scituate, who was the father of 
Dr. Cushing Otis of Scituate. f 

*He signed the petition of Hingham people, with Dr. Child, (see Vassall). 

t Dr. James Otis married Luny Cushins; of Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, 
1762. Children, Lucy, (wife of Thomas Barker Briggs), James, of Lyme, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 319 

Joseph, Esq. (son of John, 2d.) went to New London with 
his family, and has numerous descendants in Vermont, Con- 
necticut, New York, and the western States. 

Job settled in Scituate, and has many descendants. 

We add, that Capt. Stephen Otis was also the ancestor of 
Ensign Otis, at the Harbour, (see Thomas Ensign), and of 
Dr. Ephraim, of the west part of Scituate. 

Capt. Stephen Otis's will, dated 1729, gives "To son Ensign 
the homestead, with all the upland and meadow on each side 
of the way, with the Tan house and Tan vats — to John, Han- 
nah, Mary, Isaac, Stephen, Joseph, Joshua, out lands, &ic." 



WILLIAM PALMER, Jk. 

had lands in Scituate 1633. He came with his father, William 
of Plymouth, in the ship Fortune, 1621. William, jr. married 
Elizabeth Hodgkins of Plymouth 1633. He had a house be- 
tween the road and Stedman's mill pond, (since Stockbridge's) 
1645. This family has no descendants left in the Town. His 
son Thomas succeeded him — was living in 1680 — but left 
no family on record. 

JOHN PALMER, 

who settled in the south part of the Town, we believe to be 
the same who came with the first settlers of Hingham, 1635, 
and who was a freeman in Massachusetts 1638. He was 
freeman in Plymouth Colony 1657, and at the same time his 
two sons, John and Elnathan. His house lot was near the 
junction of the roads, south-east of the Church hill, near the 
third Herring brook. "John Palmer's log bridge," so called, 
was built by him, 1660, over the third Herring brook, one 
fourth mile south of his house. Besides the sons above named, 
he had Josiah. Elnathan left no family here. He had a son 
Bezaleel, also, who left no family. 

John, jr. had children, Elnathan born 1666, John 1667, 
(who married Mary Rose 1696), Hannah 1671, Ehzabeth 
1673, Bezaleel 1675, Experience 1679, Samuel 1683. 



Nevy Hampshire, Hannah, (late wife of Rev. Nehemiah Thomas), Hon. 
Cuslnng, of Scituate, Elizabeth, Abi?;ail, (wife of late Capt. Seth Foster), 
and Thomas, Esq. of New York, born from 1763 to 1776. 



320 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Josiah (son of John, sen.) had Josiah born 1685, Joshua 
1687, Ruth, (wife of Jacob Bailey 1716). 

Elnathan (son of John, jr.) married Mary, daughter of 
Thomas Clark, 1695. Children, Thomas born 1696, Sarah 
1698, Ezekiel 1701, Deborah 1710. 

Samuel (son of John, jr.) married Ann Clark 1709. 

Bezaleel (son of John, jr.) married Elizabeth, daughter of 
William Perry, 1705, (left Bezaleel, born 1706), who was 
killed by a fall in the ship-yard near the mouth of the second 
Herring brook, leaving children, Capt. Benjamin and others. 
The widow of Bezaleel, sen. married Benjamin Tolman. 

WILLIAM PARKER 

was a freeman 1640. He had sixty acres of land north of 
Edward Foster's North river lot. His house stood in Parker 
lane, west of the small brook. In 1639, he married Mary, the 
daughter of Thomas Rawlins: and again 1651, Mary, the 
daughter of Humphry Turner. His children, Mary born 1639, 
William 1643, Patience 1648, Miles 1655, Joseph 1658, 
Nathaniel 1661. This family has spread wide in the country. 
Some descendants are in Boston. 

Joseph remained in Scituate : his children, Alice, Mary, 
Joseph, Judith, Miles, from 1684 to 1702. His son Joseph 
was the last who lived on the paternal spot, save his only 
daughter Ruth, born 1711, who lived to a great age, and is 
remembered as the last of the family. 

William, jr. had sons, (his wife Mary Clark 1693), Alexan- 
der, Joshua and Elisha, but they all removed. 

Nathaniel died in Phipps's Canada expedition, 1690. His 
brother Miles was then living in Scituate. 

William Parker died 1684. His will gives "To Joseph 10 
acres near the land formerly John Bonpasse's, and 3 acres near 
where the Sweede's old house stood. To daughter Patience 
Randall — to grandchild Stephen Totman — wife Mary the 
homestead during her life, then to be divided between Miles, 
Nathaniel, WiUiam, Lydia, Mary, Judith." 

THOMAS PARRIS. 

From undoubted documents, (now in possession of Rev. Martin 
Parris of Marshfield), we learn that this gentleman was son of 
Thomas Parris, who came to Long Island, 1683, from London, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



321 



from whence he removed to Newbury, 1685, and to Pembroke, 
Massachusetts, 1697; which latter was son of John Parris, a 
dissenthig minister of Ugborough, near Plymouth, England, — 
whose father was Thomas, a merchant of London. The last 
named Thomas had a brother John, a merchant and planter of 
great wealth, who deceased in Barbadoes, 1660, who may 
have been the Mr Parish mentioned in Winthrop's journal, 
Anno 1642. His original will is in possession of Rev. Martin 
Parris. 

Thomas Parris, at the head of this article, (born May 8, 
1701, at Pembroke), married Hannah Gannett of Scituate, 
1724, daughter of Matthew Gannett. His son Thomas was 
born 1725. He had also other sons, born afterwards at Pem- 
broke, Elkanah, Benjamin and Matthew. Thomas removed to 
Bridgewater, left a son Benjamin, who died without sons. 
Elkanah married Grace Mott of Scituate, 1761, and has a 
large family at Williamstown. Benjamin married Millescent 
Keith of Easton, 1753. Of his numerous family vve name 
Samuel, born 1755, who married Sarah Pratt of Middleboro, 
is now Judge Parris of Hebron, Maine, and father of Albion 
Keith Parris, late Governor of Maine. Matthew (son of Ben- 
jamin) born 1757, married Mercy Thompson of Halifax, Mass. 
1780, and was the father of Alexander Parris, Esq. of Boston, 
the distinguished architect. 

Daniel (son of Benjamin) has a family in Halifax. 

Martin, (son of Benjamin), a Congregational minister in 
Marshfield, married Julia Drew of Kingston, 1795. His son 
Samuel, of Brown University 1824, had commenced the 
practice of medicine in Attleboro, 1827, and deceased same 
year, greatly lamented. 

Elkanah, above named, is called in our records in 1670, of 
Canaan, Connecticut. 



WILLIAM PEAKS 

bore arms in Scituate 1643. He purchased lands of " goody 
Woodfield," widow of John. His house was at Hoop-pole neck, 
on the east of the " stepping stones " way, where his descend- 
ant Eleazer now lives. He married Judith, widow of Lawrence 
Litchfield, 1650, (she had been also wife of John Allen, sen.) 
Children, Israel born 1655, Eleazer 1657, William 1662. 

Israel had a son Israel born 1687. William had three sons, 
Philip and Israel, (whose son was Eleazer, born 1736), and 
41 



322 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



William, (whose son was William, born 1719). William, sen. 
deceased 1686. His will, dated 1683, gives "to sons Israel 
and Eleazer lands at Hoop-pole neck — To son William lands 
at Showamet — to daughter-in-law Dependance Litchfield 30£, 
to two grandchildren, Experience and Remember Luce 5£ 
each — wife Judith, &ic." William, jr. deceased 1717. His 
will gives "to wife Jean — sons Eleazer and Israel — to daugh- 
ter Thankful Daman, and daughters Hannah, Judith, Sarah, 
Penelope, Susanna." 

THOMAS PERRY (from Massachusetts) 

was in Scituate before 1647. His farm was on the south part 
of Chamberlain plain ; and perhaps his house where Gershom 
Ewell's now stands. He married Sarah, daughter of Isaac 
Stedman. There is no record of his children; but we find 
incidentally noticed, Thomas, William, Henry, Joseph and 
John. 

Thomas married Susanna, daughter of John Whiston, 1671. 
He succeeded to Theophilus Witherell's residence by purchase, 
west of Dead swamp, (now Lot Litchfield's). His children, 
Thomas, James, John, David. 

William married Elizabeth Lobdell, 1681, and settled east 
of the Church hill : his house stood in what is now Howland's 
field : he had tweh^e children, one of whom was Amos, who 
lived near Cornet's dam, where Samuel Tolman, sen. resides, 
and Elizabeth, his daughter, was the wife of Bezaleel Palmer, 
and secondly of Capt. Benjamin Tolman, and was the grand- 
mother of the respectable family of Copeland. There are 
descendants in Hanover. William Perry also was owner of a 
half share in Conihassett, with William Holmes, in 1646. He 
left no family on record. 

THOMAS PERKINS, 

from Plympton, son of John, and grandson of Luke Perkins, 
is proprietor of the ancient place of William Holmes. He 
married Phebe, daughter of Col. James Curtis, 1828, and has 
a family. 

JOHN PHILIPS, 

an early settler in Duxbury, had several children, born probably 
in England. He married a second wife, as appears from the 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 323 

following extract from the Colony Records, viz. " a marriage 
contract between John Philips of Marshfield, and Faith Doten 
of Plymouth, 1667. /m^^ri'mw, that the children of both parties 
shall remain at the disposal of their owne natural parents. 
2d. that the s"* Faith Doten is to enjoy all her house and land, 
goods and chattels, and to dispose of them at her own free will. 
3d. that in case, by death, God shall remove the s*^ John Philips 
before her, and she be left a widow, she shall have and enjoy 
one third part, or one part of three, of all his estate that he 
dieth possessed of, for her livelihood during her life — the other 
two tliirds to return to the heirs of the s' John Philips." He 
deceased 1677: Faith, his widow, administered ; and property 
was assigned in division, to his daughters Desire Sherman, 
Elizabeth Rouse and Mary Doten. 

He had a son John, jr. who married Grace HoUoway 1654, 
and whose children, Hannah and Grace born 1654, Joseph 
1656, Benjamin 1658, were baptized in Scituate second 
Church. We believe he had a son .John, 3d. by a former 
wife, who married Ann Torrey 1677. The death of John, jr. 
was as follows : 

Verdict. 

"July 31, 1656, 

" Wee finde that, this present day, John Philips, jr. came 
into his dwelling house, lately known or called Mr Buckley's 
house, in good health, as good wife Williamson affirmeth, and 
satt upon a stoole by the chimney, and by an immediate hand 
of God, manifested in thunder and lightning, the s*^ John came 
by his death," Colony Records. 

His descendants are in Marshfield. 

Benjamin married Sarah Thomas 1681, and had children, 
John born 1682, Joseph 1685, Benjamin 1687, Thomas 1691, 
Jeremiah 1697, Isaac 1702. Of these, John remained in 
Marshfield, married Patience Stevens 1710, and had sons, 
Nathaniel 1713, and others. Benjamin also had a son Benja- 
min, born 1719. 

We believe Jeremiah Philips, who deceased in Marshfield, 
1666, was a son of John, sen. We have seen no notices of a 
family. We think it also probable that Thomas Philips of 
Yarmouth, in 1657, and James of Taunton, 1658, were sons 
of John, sen. 

JONAS PICKELS 

was in Scituate 1650. He had lands laid out north of George 
Moore's swamp. His house stood on the west side of the way, 



324 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

half a mile south of the present Town-house. He married 
Alice Hatch, (daughter of Elder William), 1657. His chil- 
dren, Mary born 1660, Nathan 1661, Lydia 1662, Jonas 1663. 
Nathan succeeded his father. He married Miriam Turner 
1687. Children, Mercy born 1688, Alice 1691, Nathan 1693, 
David 1695, Nathan 1699. Nathan succeeded his father: 
married Margaret Stetson 1731 : and having no family, left 
his estate to the three sons of his sister, Mercy, wife of Dea, 
Joseph Gushing, viz. Judge Nathan Gushing, Pickels Gushing, 
and Hawkes Gushing, (which latter was the father of the late 
valuable and lamented Dea. Thomas Gushing and others). 



EBENEZER PIERPONT, 

from Roxbury, married Sarah, daughter of Judge John Gush- 
ing, 1750. His children, Nathaniel born 1751, Joseph 1754. 
Ebenezer Pierpont deceased 1755. His widow married again, 
Mr Leonard, at Suffield, Gonnecticut, and removed with her 
sons, the elder of whom settled in Gonnecticut, and the 
younger at Roxbury. This family descended from John 
Pierpont, of Roxbury, by whose will, dated 1682, we per- 
ceive that he divided a large estate of lands, mills, malt house, 
guns and swords, &:c. to sons John, James, Ebenezer, Joseph 
and Benjamin. John of Roxbury was son of James, one of 
the first settlers of Ipswich. He had another son, Robert, who 
also removed to Roxbury. 



GEORGE PIDGOKE, 

a householder before 1640, married Sarah Richards that year. 
There is no record of a family. He was living in 1670. 



THOMAS PINGIN (or Pinson) 

took the oath of fidelity in Scituate, 1638, and, had lands in 
1636, "at the end of the hill, by the swamp, south of Satuit 
brook." This was opposite Buck's corner — late Anthony 
Waterman's. He married Jane, daughter of Richard Stand- 
lake, 1639. His children, Thomas born 1640, Hannah 1642, 
(wife of George Young 1661), John 1655, Joshua 1658, 
Waitstill 1650. Some of this family probably removed. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 325 

Thomas, jr. married Elizabeth White 1662, and Sarah 
Turner. Children, Thomas born 1662, Ebenezer 1668, and 
perhaps others. This family lived at Pincin hill. 

Thomas, Sd. married Sarah White 1693, and no further 
trace appears : it is probable he went to Bridgewater. 

Ebenezer married Deborah 1701. Children, Thank- 
ful 1702, Mary 1704, Thomas 1707, Ebenezer 1711, of the 
latter we can discover no traces here. This family lived in 
Parker lane. 

Thomas (last named) married Agatha Hammond 1735. 
Children, Thomas and Betsy born 1736, Mary 1738, Deborah 
1741, Judith 1743, Simeon 1747. 

Thomas married Ann Taylor 1755. Children, Ehzabeth 
born 1756, WiUiam 1757, Benjamin 1760. 

Simeon married Sarah Cole 1776. His sons Simeon, Perez 
and Elias are living in Scituate. 

William married Elizabeth Beal of Hingham, 1777. 

John Pincin, who descended from some early branch of this 
family, was of Chesterfield 1788. He married widow Joanna 
Curtis of Scituate. Abner Pincin married Hannah Cowen 1770. 



Capt. MICHAEL PIERCE 

had been a resident at Hingham or Weymouth, before he came 
into Scituate. He purchased lands in the Conihassett, 1647. 
His house was on the Cohasset road, one mile from the present 
north Meeting-house, at the well known place where Elijah 
Pierce now resides, of the sixth generation that has possessed it. 
There is no record of Capt. Pierce's family here. Hobart's 
journal records, " Persis, daughter of Michael Pierce, baptized 
1646," also "Michael Pierce's daughter born 1662, and 
Michael Pierce's wife died 1662." His first child may have 
been born at Hingham. Persis married Richard Garrett, 3d. 
1695. Abigail married Samuel Holbrook 1682. He had a 
son Ephraim, who died early or removed. 

Benjamin married Martha, daughter of James Adams, 1678, 
and succeeded to his father's residence. His children, Martha, 
Jerusha, Benjamin, Ebenezer, Persis, Caleb, Thomas, Adams, 
Jeremiah, EUsha, born from 1679 to 1699. 

John (also son of Capt. Michael) settled north of the Coni- 
hassett burying ground. He married Patience, daughter of 
Anthony Dodson, 1 683 : his children, Michael, John, Jonatlian, 
Ruth, Jael, David, Clothier, born from 1684 to 1698. 



326 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Hayward Pierce, Esq. late of Scituate, descended from 
Capt. Michael, through Benjamin, (who married Martha Adams), 
Benjamin, (who married Mary Cowen and Elizabeth Perry), 
Benjamin, who married Charity Howard and Jane Howard of 
Bridgewater, 1742 and 1750, daughters of Thomas. The 
sons of Hayward, Esq. are Hayward of New Orleans, Waldo 
and Bailey of Frankfort, (Maine), Elijah of Scituate, (on the 
paternal residence), Silas of Boston, — and his daughters, the 
wives of Mr Lincoln of Cohasset, Mr Nathaniel Gushing, and 
Mr Walter Foster of Scituate. Benjamin and Jonathan, 
brothers of Hayward, Esq. removed to Chesterfield. 

Capt. Michael has left evidence on record, in the Town, of 
his usefulness in publick affairs. But his memory is to be 
forever honored for the brave manner in which he fell in 
defence of his country. (See Military affairs). 

He was in the Narragansett fight in December 1675, and 
escaped with his life, but to fall in a more terrible conflict in 
March following. His will is dated 1675; and the preamble 
is in these impressive words : " Being, by the appointment of 
God, going out to war against the Indians, I do ordain this my 
last win and Testament : and first I commit my ways to the 
Eternal God, &.c." He then gives " to wife Ann [she was a 
second wife] the house which I last built, Sic. To son Ben- 
jamin my present dwelling house — To son John all my lands 
in Hingham — to son Ephraim 5£ — to daughter Abigail 
Holbrook 5£ — to daughters Elizabeth, Deborah, Ann, Abiah, 
Ruth, Persis, 50£ each." 



NEHEMIAH PORTER 

was in Scituate 1756. He was from Weymouth, probably. 
His residence was a half mile west of the south Meeting-house, 
now called " the Porter place." His sons were Nehemiah, 
Sylvanus and Benjamin. They all removed. 

Capt. Edward J. Porter, sail maker, of Scituate harbour, is 
of another family, and came from Marshfield. 



JONATHAN PRATT, 

and his father, Samuel Pratt, were in Scituate 1676, and were 
probably of the Plymouth family. Samuel was one of the 
brave men who fell in the Rehoboth battle, 1676. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 327 

Jonathan married Margaret Locke 1691. His sons Jona- 
than and Othniel, and five daughters, born previous to 1708. 

The residence of this family was on the Plymouth road, 
now .in Hanover, and one mile west of the Four Corners. 
Aaron Pratt of little Hingham, now Cohasset, was another son 
of Samuel. 

ABRAHAM PREBLE 

was amongst the men of Kent, in Scituate 1636. He married 
Judith, the daughter of Elder Nathaniel Tilden. His son 
Nathaniel was born in Scituate, and baptized in Schuate second 
Church, 1648: soon after which he removed to Georgiana 
or York. Abraham Preble, Esq. a representative from York, 
1719, was his grandson: and the gallant Commodore Preble 
was of the same family. 

THOMAS PRINCE. 

The first of this family who came to this country, settled at 
Nantasket in 1638. His name was John. He was the son of 
Rev. John Prince, rector of East Strafford, in Berkshire, Eng. 
born 1610. He had been three years at Oxford University, 
but he did not engage in the ministry. He was chosen the 
first ruling elder at Hull in 1644. He died at Hull, August 
6, 1676, aged sixty-six. His children were John born 1638, 
Elizabeth 1640, Joseph 1642, Martha 1645, Job 1647, Mary 
1648, Samuel 1650, Sarah 1651, died early, Benjamin 1652, 
Isaac 1654, Deborah 1656, wife of WiUiam King, (of Salem 
probably), 1678, and Thomas 1658. Of these sons, 
John remained in Hull, and deceased 1 690. 
Joseph married Elizabeth Morton of Plymouth, 1670. 
Samuel, Esq. of Rochester and Middleboro, married a 
daughter of Gov. Thomas Hinckley, (a second wife), and by 
her was the father of Rev. Thomas Prince born 1687, gradu- 
ated at Harvard College 1707, minister in Boston, and author 
of that most accurate work. Prince's Chronology. (Eliot's 
Biography). 

Isaac married Mary, daughter of John Turner, sen. of 
Scituate, 1683. 

Thomas married Ruth, daughter of John Turner, sen. of 
Scituate, 1685. We have placed his name at the head of this 
article, because he resided several years in Scituate, where his 



328 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

children were born, viz. Thomas born July 10, 1686, Benja- 
min, 1693, Job 1695. 

It is conjectured that Gov. Thomas Prince of Plymouth 
Colony, was a relative of John of Hull. 

THOMAS PRYOR 

came from London with Rev. John Lothrop, and was one of 
the Church in Scituate, 1634. He had lands on the east of 
Hickes's swamp, and probably his house was there. He 
deceased in 1639: he had a son John, in Duxbury or Plym- 
outh. Daniel purchased Thomas Rose's house in the Tivo 
mile, 1664. There are no children on record. Thomas 
Pryor's will (1639) gives "to my son Samuel and Thomas in 
England 12d each — to Samuel 5£ if he come to this country. 
To son Joseph 5£. To daughters Elizabeth and Mary 6£ 
each; to John and Daniel the rest of the lands equally : To the 
Pastor (Mr Lothrop) 10s." 

RICHARD PROUTY 

was in Scituate 1670. His farm was north-east of Hoop-pole 
hill. His house was near the causeway over the swamp, called 
Prouty's dam, 1680. His first son was Edward, and had a 
house at Margaret's brook, on the west. His children were 
nine, (his wife Elizabeth Howe) sons James, John, Richard, 
Edward, Elisha, born from 1711 to 1732. 

Isaac (son of Richard) married Elizabeth Merritt — sons 
David, John, Caleb, Adam, Job, James, Isaac, born from 1716 
to 1732. Margaret Prouty, who gave the name to the brook, 
was an unmarried daughter of the elder Richard, and who 
lived to a great age, and though single, had a son Nehemiah 
born 1724. 

Of the above sons of Edward, Jacob, David, John, Adam, 
James and Isaac, removed together to the town of Spencer, 
where they have respectable descendants. In Scituate and 
Hanover remain descendants of Caleb, and of William, another 
son of Richard, sen. 

SAMUEL RAMSDELL 

was in that part of Scituate, afterward Hanover, 1711, when 
he married Martha Bowker of Scituate. He has descendants 
in Hanover, and in Weston. 



Family skktches. 329 



JOHN RANGE 

was one of the purchasers of a sche for a Quaker Meeting- 
house, 1678. (See notes on Society of Friends). We believe 
he removed to Barbadoes, and there deceased. His widow 
was in Scituate in 1697. 



WILLIAM RANDALL 

came into Scituate before 1640. His farm was on the brook 
that falls into Till's or Dwelley's creek : His house was in the 
valley, twenty rods north of the brook on the west side of the 
way, where stands the mansion of Elisha Foster, sen. late 
deceased. There is no record of his marriage here : he proba- 
bly married at Rhode Island, where we find some traces of him 
as early as 1636 ; or in Marshfield, where he seems to have 
been 1637. He was an enterprising and useful man in many 
respects ; but unfortunately for himself, appears to have been 
litigious. There are several disputes on the Colony records, 
which he prosecuted with his neighbors about bounds of lands, 
and when the causes were decided against him, he seems not to 
have submitted very quietly. He was fined 1660, " for striking 
Edward Wanton," in one of these disputes : and in 1664, "for 
breaking the King's peace by poakeing Jeremiah Hatch with a 
ho-pole, was fined 3s. 4d." Colony Records. He, with his 
wife, were of the party that gained much strength from 1650 
to 1670, which held it unlawful to pay religious teachers. His 
goods were occasionally taken by the constable. On one of 
these occasions, " 1654 William Randall's wife fined for 
abusing the Constable, Walter Hatch." Colony Records. After 
these troubles, they both settled down to quiet members of Mr. 
Witherell's church. Their children were Sarah, born 1640, 
Joseph 1642, Hannah 1644, William 1647, John 1650, Eliza- 
beth 1652, Job 1654, Benjamin 1656, Isaac 1658. 

Joseph married Hannah Macomber 1673. He succeeded to 
his father's residence : his children Elizabeth and Ursula born 
1673, Joseph 1675, Hannah 1677, Sarah 1680, Margaret 1683, 
Mercy 1684, Benjamin 1688. 

Joh, (shipwright, and a very respectable and useful man) 
settled one fourth mile south of the Herring brook hill, (now 
David Torrey's) : his children, Mary born 1680, Job 1683, 
42 



330 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

(who settled in the Two mile at Job's landing) James 1685, 
Nehemiah 1688, Lydia 1690, Samuel 1694. From this family 
the Randalls (Samuel he.) in the west part of the Town are 
descended. 

Isaac had a house a few rods east of his father's, (now Elisha 
Foster, jr.) he lived to the age of 102 — had two wives, Susan- 
na Barstow 1684, and Deborah Buck 1692. His children, 
Isaac, Susanna, Jacob, Deborah, Robert, Ruth, Gideon, Rachel, 
Caleb, Elisha, Mary, Abigail, Grace, Peres, born from 1685 to 
1716. These families had large tracts of land at Wild cat hill. 

The first family residence was inherited by Benjamin, son of 
Joseph. He was father of Paul and Daniel, who removed to 
Harpswell, and of William and Ezra, who removed to Topsham, 
Maine, also of Capt. Benjamin, who built the house in which 
Seth Turner deceased 1830, one fourth mile south west of the 
south Meeting house. 



THOMAS RAWLINS 

came from Weymouth before 1646, in which year he was one 
of the Conihassett partners in Scituate. He had left Weymouth 
with Richard Sylvester, (see Sylvester.) He purchased An- 
thony Annable's N. River lot 1642, and bulk his house where 
Deacon Thomas, and Deacon George King afterward resided, 
(now Col. Curtis's.) He had a son Joshua, (says Farmer) but 
he probably died early. Thomas, his son lived in Boston, had 
children, Caleb born 1645, Mary 1652, Samuel 1653: he 
married a second wife, widow Sarah Murdock of Roxbury, 
1656. Mary, daughter of Thomas, sen. married WiUiam' Par- 
ker of Scituate 1639, and left numerous descendants: and 
Joanna married Ephraim Kempton 1645. 

JVathaniel succeeded to his father's residence 1650. He 
married Lydia, daughter of Richard Sylvester 1652, (she mar- 
ried Edward Wright 1664,) the children of Nathaniel, Eliza- 
beth born 1653, Ruth 1655, Patience 1658, Nathaniel 1659, 
Elizabeth born 1661, (wife of JamesTorrey, jr. 1679.) Nathan- 
iel, sen. died 1662. Thomas, sen. died in Boston, 1650, and 
gives in his will, " to wife Sarah, and to son Thomas a 
house in Boston, if he live there with his mother. To son 
Nathaniel, my farm in Scituate. To son in law William Par- 
ker of Scituate, &ic." The descendants now write the name 
Rollin. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



WILLIAM RICHARDS 



331 



came into Scituate (probably from Plymouth) 1636. In 1639 
he had a farm north of Cornet Stetson's, (divided by a ravme). 
Part of this farm was afterward that of Thomas Brooks, and 
now Ru^gles. In 1650 he sold this farm to Gowin White for 
75£, and removed to Weymouih. There is no record of a 
family here. In Weymouth, his son James was born 1658 and 
Benjamin 1660. His descendants are in Weymouth and else- 
where. There was an Edward Richards of Dedham 1639, 
from whom many have descended. 

William died at Weymouth 1680: his Will gives "to wife 
Grace — to oldest son James, and sons Benjamin, John, Will- 
iam and Joseph." 

JOHN ROGERS 

came into Scituate with Rev. Mr. Witherell 1644, and from 
hence we conjecture that he was a descendant of the Martyr of 
Smithfield, (see Witherell). Family tradition also asserts the 
same. He married Ann Churchman at Weymouth 1639 — 
where his daughter Lydia was born 1642. He died in Wey- ' 
mouth 1661. His farm in Scituate was a half mile south of 
Stockbridge's mill, (now James Briggs's, abas Clerk Briggs's). 
John his son, lived for a time at the place of Rawlins,, (see 
Rawlins), and afterward succeeded his father. He married 
Rhoda, daughter of Elder Thomas King 1656. They were' 
married by Gov. Endicott of Mass. there being no magistrate 
in Scituate authorized to solemnize marriages at that time. 
Rogers became a Quaker in 1660. His children were John, 
Abigail, (who married Timotby White 1678), lAIary, who mar- 
ried John Roues 1659, Elizabeth, who married Joseph White 
1660, and Hannah, who married Samuel Pratt, (of Weymouth), 

1660. 

John Scl. had children, Alice, Daniel, Elizabeth, Thomas, 
Hannah, Joshua, Mary, Caleb, born from 1682 to 1T18. This 
family is numerous in Marshfield. The primitive John at the 
head of this article had two other sons, Thomas and Samuel, 
who settled at the Rogers Brook in Marshfield. From Thomas 
descended the late Joseph, and Stephen his son, now living. 



332 FAMILY SKETCHES. 



ISAAC ROBINSON 

was the son of the venerable John Robnison, the Puritan found- 
er. He was freeman in Scituate 1636. His house lot was 
on the south east of Colman's hills, near the first Herring brook 
and opposite to " Schewsan's Neck." This house and land he 
sold to John Twisden 1639, and removed to Barnstable. He 
was a highly respectable man ; an Assistant in the government : 
but having follen under the displeasure of " the stern Thomas 
Prince, Gov." 1659, on account of his opposition to the laws 
against the Quakers, he was disfranchised : but he lived to be 
restored under Gov. Josiah Winslow 1673. His wife was 
Faunce, sister of Elder Faunce of Plymouth. He probably 
married after leaving Scituate. His son Isaac, who received a 
legacy in Mr. Hatherly's Will 1668, was unfortunately drowned 
at Barnstable 1668, (Verdict) "in going into a pond to fetch 
two geese, the pond beinge full of weedy grasse," (Col. Rec). 
Isaac, sen. lived 93 years. He had a brother John, who set- 
tled at Cape Ann, and whose son Abraham, the first born child 
in Mass. lived to the age of 102. (Farmer). John (with Fran- 
cis Crooker) purchased lands in Scituate 1640, but did not 
remove hither. 

Dea. THOMAS ROBINSON 

was in Scituate before 1643, at which date he purchased the 
house of Gen. Cudworth on the south of Colman's hills, which 
was sold to John Otis 1661. But Dea. Robinson's mansion 
was very near to the 2d. Society's first Meeting-house on the 
east side of the road. He married widow Mary Woodey at 
Boston 1652. (called of Scituate in the Record at Boston). 
His children, Thomas born 1652, Joseph 1656, Mary 1657, 
Mercy 1659. His sons removed. Dea. Thomas was unfor- 
tunately killed 1676. Verdict "killed by the fall of a tree." 
That he was brother of Isaac, we have not ascertained : It is 
more probable that he came through Dorchester, and was 
brother of William, and early settled there. 

THOMAS ROSE 

was in the Two mile 1660. He had also a brother John in 
Marshfield, "who died 1676, gunning on the beach, (Verdict) 
perished by the severity of the weather." He had also a son 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 333 

John, who was one of the slain in Rehoboth battle 1676. 
Thomas Rose married a 2d. wife, Alice, widow of Jonas 
Pickels 1666, and removed to Scituate proper, (see Pickels). 
At which time, we see on record a Covenant with the heirs of 
Jonas Pickels, " that if God give him children, he will give his 
estate equally to those children and to the children of Jonas 
Pickels." He had a son Thomas,* who lived near him, fifty 
rods south west, on the same side of the way. He had a son 
Gideon born 1702, (who married Lydia Turner 1723), whose 
son Gideon lived near the north end of Jordan lane, where 
Laban, his son, deceased 1816. Thomas, sen. had a son 
Gideon, whose sons 

Jabez left a son Jabez, born 1707. 

Jeremiah married Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. Anthony 
CoUamore, 1698 : and deceased 1699, leaving one son Thomas, 
whose posterity are in Hanover. Elizabeth the widow, married 
Timothy Symmes. 

ANSON ROBBINS, Esq. 

Nathaniel Robbins, of Marshfield, married Hannah, the 
daughter of Samuel Witherell, and grand-daughter of Rev. 
William Witherell, and deceased in middle life, leaving 4 sons. 

Joseph, of Hebron, Maine, who married the daughter of 
James Gushing, of Scituate. 

Timothy, of Hanover, who married Mary Tilden 1770, and 
whose son Timothy married Hannah, the daughter of Jesse 
Wright of Scituate 1813. 

Capt. Thomas, a ship master, who was drowned at Cohas- 
set 1 790. He married Sylvina Casweh, and left sons Walter of 
Machias, and Anson, Esq. of Scituate, a useful man in public 
business. The latter married Rachel, the daughter of Thomas 
Sylvester, and his children are George Anson, Walter, Matilda, 
Clarissa, Horace, Charles (died 1830, aged 14) and Rachel. 

Luther, Esq. Postmaster of Greene in Maine. 

There was a William Robbins of Hingham, who married 
Susanna, the daughter of George Lane 1665, and whose son 
Thomas was born 1665 Wilham may have been the son of 
Richard Robbins, an early settler in Cambridge, for he removed 
from Hingham to Cambridge, and from thence to Boston, 
where he died 1693. Nathaniel of Marshfield may have been 
his grandson. 

* Thomas of the 3d generation removed to DiAhton. 



334 FAMILY SKETCHES. 



JOHN ROWSE, or Rouse, 

was the unfortunate man who was so severely dealt with for 
being a Quaker, (see our notes on the Society of Friends). He 
was resident in Marshfield, as early as 1640, and had lands 
•at " Cares well creek." His sons John and George were born 
in Marshfield 1643 and 1648. There are descendants in 
Bristol and Norfolk counties. 



Capt. MOSES RICH, 

mariner, from Barnstable County, settled near Buck's corner, 
in front of the old Parsonage. His first wife was Parker from 
the southward — his 2d wife, Thankful H. Jones, 1825. He 
has children, Moses and others. 



JOHN RUGGLES, 

a descendant from Thomas Ruggles of Roxbury, freeman 1G32. 

John, son of Thomas, married Craft 1639, and died 1658, 

leaving " house and land near Roxbury Meeting-house, on the 
hill," to wife and children. His son John was often a Repre- 
sentative from Roxbury, and first in 1658. John, his son, was 
born 1661 : and John, his son, came to Scituate 1719. He 
purchased lands of John Barstovv's heirs, midway between 
Herring brook hill, or the south Meeting-house and Jordan lane. 
His house was twenty rods south of the present road. He mar- 
ried Joanna, daughter of Thomas Brooks 1720 : his children, 
Thomas 1721, Hannah 1723, Sarah 1731, John 1729, Grace 
1725 ; of these Dea. John, a man remarkable for purity of cha- 
racter, lived to 1813. He inherited the farm of Thomas 
Brooks, his maternal uncle ; (Thomas Brooks, having left no 
children) where Thomas Ruggles his son deceased 1830. 



GEORGE RUSSELL 

previously in Hingham, purchased the house, land and saw-mill 
of Isaac Stedman (now Stockbridge's mill) 1646. The house 
stood ten rods south of the dam. He probably deceased in 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 335 

Hingham. George and Samuel his sons were in Scituate. 
George deceased 1675 ; he had been the ward of Capt. Cud- 
worth 1668, whence we conclude that his father had deceased 
before the latter date. George, jr. left one son, who removed 
probably to Pembroke or Duxbury, as we notice " 1683 George 
Russell of Namattakesett fined for not attending public wor- 
ship," Colony Records. 

Samuel (above named) was one of the victims of the Reho- 
both battle 1676. The estate was then sold to David Jacob, 
(see Cornelius Briggs). George, sen. married a widow James 
of Hingham 1640, (Hobart's Journal) and had by this 2d. wife, 
Mary 164], Elizabeth 1643, Martha 1645. He sold his half 
of the grist-mill to Charles Stockbridge 1665 : the deed is 
signed by George Russell, and Jane, his wife. 



JOHN SAFFIN, (Lawyer.) 

The first notice that we have discovered of this distinguished 
man, is, that he was a Selectman in Scituate 1653, whence 
■we conclude that he had been there something earlier. He 
had a farm on little Musquaschcut pond, adjoining that of John 
Hoar in 1654, and in 1660 he purchased Hoar's farm, and 
continued to possess these lands in 1673, when a share in the 
division of common lands was assigned " to John Saffin's house 
and land." He married Martha, daughter of Capt. Thomas 
Willet of Plymouth. His children, John born 1662, Thomas 
1664, Simon 1666, Josiah 1667, Joseph 1669. He removed 
to Boston before 1671, when he was a freeman there. He 
was Representative first 1684 — Speaker of the House 1686 — 
Counsellor after the Union of Plymouth and Massachusetts 1692. 
He removed to Bristol, (says Mr. Baylies) " about 1688." He 
was the first Judge of Probate for the County of Bristol from 
1692 to 1701, when he was appointed Judge of the Superior 
Court, Mass. He died at Bristol, July 29, 1710. He had mar- 
ried a 2d. wife before 1688, whose name was Lee, of Boston : 
(Baylies) and a 3d. wife at Bristol, Rebecca, daughter of Col. 
Nathaniel Byfield. The children above named were all born of 
his first wife Martha, the daughter of that distinguished Capt. 
Thomas Willet, who was Assistant in Plymouth Colony, from 
1651 to 1664 — afterward the first Mayor of New York, after 
it was conquered from the Dutch, and who died at Barrington, 
R. L 1674. (Farmer.) 



336 FAMILY SKETCHES. 



Dea. RICHARD SEALIS 

was one of Mr. Lothrop's Church, who appears in Scituate 
1634. He had a house in 1636, north of Thomas Ensign's 
(see Ensign) which he afterward gave to Eglin Hanford, his 
wife's daughter, by a former husband. In 1646, he had a 
house north of Satuit brook, (near the Methodist chapel as it 
now stands). He was one of the Conihassett partners 1G46. 
His wife was EgUn the sister of Mr. Timothy Hatherly : she 
had been the wife of Edward Foster's father, and of a Mr. Han- 
ford previously in England. He appears to have been an 
estimable man. He had two daughters, as appears by his 
Will, dated 1656. "To wife Eglin — to daughters Hannah 
and Hester, wives of John Winchester and Samuel Jackson." 
John Winchester was of Hingham, married 1634. 



Capt. PETER SEARS, 

from Halifax, married Susanna Colnian of Scituate 1777, and 
settled on the John Bryant place, north of Hoop-pole hill Cedar 
swamp. He was an officer in the Revolutionary war, viz. Capt. in 
the corps of Mechanicks. He died 1820, aged 68. His widow 
died 1824, aged 73. His children were Pe?!er, who died 1820, 
(leaving Peter and other children) — Sarah, the wife of Elijah 
Damon 1811, Mary, (the wife of Jacob Stockbridge), Lucy, 
the wife of Abiel Farrow, Dolly, the wife of Lot Litchfield, 
and sometime the wife of Joseph Stockbridge. 



THOMAS SAVORY 

had settled in Scituate 1675 : he was the son of Thomas of 
Sandwich. He had lands in the Two mile ; but probably had 
no family : he was killed in the Rehoboth battle the following 
year. 

ROBERT SHELLEY, freeman 1638, 

had lands on the 3d. Cliff, near Gillson's windmill, in 1636. He 
went to Barnstable 1640. He has descendants in Raynbam. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 337 



JAMES NUTON SPARREL 

settled in Scituate, and married Ruth Vinall 1766. He was 
from Carolina, and a shipmaster. His children, Elizabeth 
born 1767, James 1770, Hannah 1772. Capt. James, his son, 
deceased 1826, leaving sons James N. of Scituate, William of 
Boston, (architect) John of Turner, Maine, and George P. 
of Boston. 

BRYANT STEPHENSON 

had sons born in Scituate. Bryant P. born 1784, Reuben 
1786, Benjamin 1788. 



ROBERT STANFORD 

was in Scituate 1670 — but left no family here. 

EDWARD SHOVE, 

from Taunton, married Lydia Witherell, (grand daughter of 
Rev. WiUiam) 1704, his children, (twins) George and Mary 
born June 1705. This family soon removed. He was son of 
Rev. George Shove of Taunton, and born 1680. His mother 
was Hannah, daughter of Mr. Walley of Barnstable. 

JAMES SKIFF, 

from Sandwich, resided a short time in Scituate ; he married 
Elizabeth Dwelley 1745, his son John, born the same year. 
His ancestor, James, was of Sandwich 1656, " appointed to 
exercise the militia," Colony Records. 

THOMAS SERGEANT 

had children in Scituate, Elizabeth 1690, Thomas 1692, Will- 
iam 1696, Thaddeus 1700, Mary 1703. This family removed. 
43 



338 FAMILY SKETCHES. 



ISRAEL SMITH* 

built the liouse of Mr. INIatthew Tower, one mile north of the 
Church-hill, in 1G46. He married Abigail Ford of Marshfield. 
His children, Joseph born 1747, Abigail 1750, Peleg 1752, 
Lucy 1754, Charles 1755, Alice 1757, Israel 1759. This 
family removed to Maine. 



WILLIAM SOAN 

had lands at the head of Stockbridge's mill-pond, on Brushy 
hill brook 1663. He left no family on record save Mary, born 
1668. His mother Elizabeth was 2d. 'wife of John Stockbridge. 



THOMAS SOPER 

purchased lands of Samuel Curtis, (1690) one fourth mile v;est 
of Curtis hill. His house stood in the field, forty rods south- 
east of the intersection of the roads. His children, Elizabeth 
born 1695, Mary 1697, Abigail 1699, Joseph 1703, Thomas 
1706, Sarah 1708, David 1709, John 1714. This family has 
descendants in Hanson, and perhaps in Weymouth. 

John married Anna Woodworth 1743, Joseph married Lydia 
Stockbridge 1729, Thomas 3d. married Susanna Vinall 1773. 



THOMAS SIMONS, (early Symonson,) 

was the son of " Moyses Symonson" who came to Plymouth in 
the Ship Fortune 1621. Thomas was a householder in Scitu- 
ate before 1647. His house was on the Green field, between 
that of Samuel Nash and John Turner, jr. He had sons Moses 
and Aaron. 

Moses had children, (by his wife Patience ). Moses 

born 1666, John 1667, Sarah 1670, Aaron 1672, Job 1674, 
Patience 1676, (after her father's decease). 

* Israel Smith was son of Joseph and Rachel Smith of Hanover, and born 
1722. He had brothers Isaac, Pelog, Levi, Abiel and Joshua, born from 1720 
to 1734. The wife of Jjjseph wus the daughter of Isaac Randall. 



FAMILlf SKETCHES. 339 

Aaron married Mary Woodworth 1677. Children, Moses 
1680, Rebecca 1679, Mary 1683, Elizabeth 1686, Ebenezer 
1689, Lydia 1693. Both tliese famihes Hved at the Green field. 

Moses, (son of Moses) died in the Canada expedition 1690, 
(Probate Record). Job, (son of Moses) had lands south of 
" Old Pond," which he sold in part to Jonathan Pratt 1696. 

Moses, (son of Aaron) married Rachel Cudworth 1711. His 
children, Moses born 1718, Aaron 1720, Rachel 1723, Leah 
17-25. 

Ebenezer, son of Aaron, married Lydia Kent 1714. Chil- 
dren, Abigail 1715, Joshua 1717, Lydia 1719. Joshua had a 
son Elisha, whose sons are Judge William, Elisha, Benjamin 
and Franklin of Boston, and Ebenezer of Hanover. 

Thomas, (at the head of this article,) had a brother Moses, 
who died in Duxbury 1689, and whose children were John, 
Aai-on, Mary, the wife of Joseph Alden, Elizabeth, wife of 
Richard Dwelley, and Sarah, wife of James Nash (of Duxbury.) 



ISAAC STEDMAN 

was in Scituate 1637, He sold his farm to George Russell 1650, 
(see Russell) and removed to Boston. He was often employed 
in public transactions of the Town while here : and in Boston, 
he seems to have been a merchant, by certain transactions of the 
Town of Scituate with him, after his removal. He died 1678. 
His will gives " to son Nathaniel my present house, and half 
the orchard down to the Cold springe — to son Thomas, half 
the orchard, and all the salt meadow : to my wife, I relinquish 
all her property, &z;c. — to daughters Elizabetli Haman and 
Sarah Perry, 40£ each." 



BENJAMN STUDLEY, 

probably from Hingbam, settled near Merritt's brook, a few rods 
south-east of the bridge, 1680. He married Mary, daughter 
of John Merritt 1683. His children, John born 1684, Benja- 
min 1687, James 1690, Jonathan 1693, David 1696, Mary 
1699, Elizabeth 1701, Deborah 1703, Eliab 1706. 

James married Sarah Farrow (of Hingham) 1717. Children, 
Sarah 1718, James 1720, Elizabeth 1725. 

David married Susanna Vinton 1717. Children, Susanna 
1718, David 1720, Amasa 1722, Daniel 1725. 



340 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

David, jr. married Elizabeth Curtis 1744. His children, 
Mercy 1745, David 1748, William 1752, Elizabeth 1754, 
Amiel 1757, John 1760. William is now Hving, whose sons 
are William and Amiel. 

There was also Benoni Studley in Scituate, of another fami- 
ly, whose children, John, Abigail, Joshua, Gideon, Sarah and 
Benoni, were born from 1702 to 1723 : of this family is Lewis 
Studley, and several also of Hingham. 

There was also a Joseph Studley, at Randall (now Studley) 
hill in 1700, from whom some families in Hanover may have 
descended. 



ROBERT SPROAT, (or Sprout,) 

was in "the Two mile" 1660, and his lands adjoined " the old 
Barker place," so called at that time, or " John Barker place." 
His children, Mercy born 1662, Elizabeth 1664, Mary 1666, 
Robert 1669, Anna 1671, James 1673, Ebenezer 1676, Han- 
nah 1680. 

Ebenezer, had two children born in Scituate, Thankful 1705, 
Abigail 1709, and then removed to Middleboro*. 

James married Elizabeth Southworth of Middleboro' 1712, 
and Rachel Dvvelley 1121 ) he removed to Middleboro'. He 
had one son, Robert born in Scituate 1715 : But from Col. 
Ebenezer above, most of the families of this name in Middle- 
boro', Taunton, &;c. we believe are descended. Also, Rev. 
Mr. Sproat, a distinguished preacher in Philadelphia, a few 
years since, was of this family. 

Robert Sproat, sen. deceased at Middleboro' 1712. His 
will gives " To daughter Mercy Oldham, and daughter Ann 
Richmond, each a lot in 'South purchase.' — To daughter 
Hannah Cane, and daughters Elizabeth and Mary Sprout, lots 
at Edy's pond — to James and Ebenezer the farm at Scituate, 
and undivided lands in Middleboro'." 



Cornet ROBERT STETSON, 

received a grant of a considerable tract of land 1 634, from the 
Colony Court, on the North River, which constituted his farm. 
His house was on a beautiful plain near the river. An unfail- 
ing and valuable spring, out of which eight generations of the 
family have been suppHed, marks the spot. " Cornet's Rocks," 



Family sketches. 341 

in the river east of his farm, are well known to those who 
navigate the river. He was possessed of conslderahle wealth, 
an enterprising and valuable man in the plantation, a deputy to 
Court, a Cornet of the first light horse corps raised in the 
Colony, a member of the Council of war, a Colony Commis- 
sioner for settling the patent line — in short, he lived long and 
left a good name at last. He died Feb. 1st. 1702, aged 90. 
His children were Joseph born 1G39, Benjamin 1641, Thomas 
1643, Samuel 1646, John 1648, Eunice 1650, Lois 1651, 
Robert 1653, Timothy 1657. These sons he was able to set- 
tle around him on his plantation. — Joseph left sons Joseph 
born 1667, Robert 1670, William 1673, Samuel 1679. 

Benjamin had sons Benjamin 1666, Matthew 1668, (who 
died in the Canada Expedition 1690) James 1670, Samuel 
1673. 

Thomas had sons (by his wife Sarah Dodson) Thomas 1674, 
Gershom 1676, Joshua 1680, Caleb 1682, Elisha 1684, Elijah 
1686, Ebenezer 1693. 

Samuel had sons Samuel 1679, Jonah 1691, John 1694, 
Silas 1696, Seth 1698, Nathaniel 1700. 

John had one son, Barnabas 1688. 

Robert, who married Joanna Brooks 1670, left no family on 
record. Timothy probably left none. 

Joseph, (son of Joseph) left sons, Nehemiah born 1696, 
Joseph 1698, Hezekiah 1703. 

Robert, his brother, had sons Anthony 1693, Isaac 1696, 
Wihiam 1700, Gideon 1709, Robert 1710. (Anthony married 
Ann Smith 1717, and was the father of Isaac, who first settled 
south of George Moore's Pond, and of Charles and Ezra of 
Rochester, and of Elisha (born 1731), of Kingston and of 
Thomas of Barnstable). Isaac, above named, was father of 
David, Esq. of Charlestown. 

Capt. Jonah Stetson (born 1691,) who married Mercy Tur- 
ner 1720, was the father of Capt. Jonah, who married EHza- 
beth Hatch, 1751 — His son Micah is now living. 

John (born 1694,) purchased the Wanton estate 1730, and 
was the father of Lydia, Mary and Eleanor, (Dr. Charles 
Stockbridge's widow). He was son of Samuel, the son of 
Thomas. He built the first tide mill at the Harbour. Stephen, 
who married Experience Palmer* 1762, descended from the 
Cornet through Joseph, Robert, William and William. Stephen's 
sons (Stephen, Charles and William) are of the seventh genera- 

* She died 182!), aged 97, a worthy woman. 



342 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

tion, and the children of Charles are the eighth generation, who 
have inhabited the same spot of ground. 

P. S. In 16G0, and several years subsequent, "Cornet 
Stetson was Commissioner to act for the country in all matters 
relating to the trade at Kennebec." Also, 1665, for his ser- 
vices he had granted to him " 200 acres south of Mr. Hather- 
ly's grant, above Accord pond." Colony Record. 



JOHN STOCKBRIDGE, (Wheelwright,) 

took the oath of fidelity in Scituate 1638. He was one of the 
Conihasselt partners 1 646. He had a house near to John HoUet's, 
(pel haps a few rods south-west of Jesse Dunbar's). He had also 
a considerable tract of land, by purchase of Abraham Sutlifie, 
near Stockbridge's mill pond on the north and east. In 1656, 
he purchased half the mill privilege of George Russell, (with 
the saw mill, which Isaac Stedman had erected ten years be- 
fore) and built a grist mill, in partnership with Russell. Nearly 
at the same time, (before 1660) he built the Stockbridge Man- 
sion-house, a part of wliich is now standing, and is probably the 
oldest house in New-England, save one, viz. the Barker house 
at the Harbour. It was a garrison in Philip's war, and the port-' 
holes may be traced in the back part of the house, even now. 
He had married about the time of his arrival in the country, but 
the name of his first wife we have not learned. His children 
were Hannah, (wife of Serjeant Ticknor 1656.) Charles born 
before 1638. His 2d. wife was widow Elizabeth Soan, (mother 
of William) 1643, by whom he had Elizabeth 1644, (wife of 
Thomas Hiland, jr. 1661,) Sarah 1645, (wife of Joseph Wood- 
worth 1669, — " a shop-keeper.") Hesterl647. His 3d. wife 
was Mary, by whom he had Abigail 1655, and John 1657, (the 
last born in Boston). 

The will of John Stockbridge is dated at Boston, 1657. 
His will gives " To eldest son Charles, my water-mill at Scitu- 
ate, house, ground and orchard belonging to it, he paying to 
his sister Elizabeth 10£ at marriage, or at 21 years of age. 
To wife Mary, my house and land at Boston, also the house 
that Gilbert Brooks lives in at Scituate, with the land belong- 
ing to it ; and these to youngest son John after her decease, he 
paying 10£ to his sister Mary ; but in case he do not survive 
his mother, to be equally divided to all my children. To 
daughter Hester, the house that William Ticknor doth now live 
in at Scituate, with the ground and orchard, also my land at 



4 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 343 

Brushy hill and 4th Cliff. To daughter Hannah, wife of 
William Ticknor 40s. To daughter Sarah 10£ at marriage, 
or at 21 years of age. To wife Mary, all my household goods, 
and to eldest son Charles all my working tools." 

Charles, the only son that survived, succeeded to the posses- 
sion of the mills and the Mansion-house near it. In 1665 he 
purchased George Russell's half of the mill. He also built, 
(by contract) the 2d. water-mill in the Town of Plymouth 1G76. 
In 1673, he was allowed by the Town, " 30 acres of land on 
the 3d. Herring brook, on condhion that ' he erect a Corn-mill 
on that brook, and keep and tend the mill fourteen years.' " 
The mill was built 1677, (now Jonah's mill, so called). 

He married Abigail . His children, were Abigail 

born at Charlestown 1660, (says our Record), John born 1662, 
at Boston, and died early, and at Scituate were born Charles 
1663, Sarah 1665, (wife of Israel Turner,) Elizabeth 1670, 
(wife of David Turner,) Joseph born 1672, Benjamin 1677, 
Samuel 1679. Charles, sen. died 1683, intestate, his estate 
divided 1684, " to Charles, oldest son, (surviving) land at 3d. 
Herring brook, and half the corn-mill and three fourths of the 
saw-mill there : To Thomas, land also on 3d. Herring brook, 
half the corn-mill, and one fourth of the saw-mill : to Joseph, 
50 acres of land in Duxbury, near Indian-head river, (now 
Pembroke — where late WilUam Torrey, Esq. deceased,) also 
the reversion of a house of Hester Stockbridge in Scituate : to 
Abigail, wife of Henry Josselyn 18£. To Sarah and Elizabeth 
17£ each. To widow Abigail, all the house, land, corn-mill 
and saw-mill on 1st. Herring brook, until Samuel the youngest 
be of age, then Benjamin to have the above, except the par- 
lour." (Probate Record). 

Abigail, the widow, married Amos Turner, before 1700. 

Charles left daughters, but no son that survived. 

Thomas settled at the mill on the 3d. Herring brook : he left 
but one son, Thomas born 1702. His grandson Stephen 
deceased on the same place 1800. 

Joseph married Margaret Turner, daughter of Joseph Turner, 
and removed to Duxbury, (now Pembroke) where his lands 
were situated. He lived to more than 100 years of age. His 
son Joseph married Ann Turner — and his son David married 
Deborah, daughter of Judge John Cushing, David, Esq. his son, 
is now living in Hanover. 

Benjamin married Mary Tilden 1701, and succeeded to the 
old Stockbridge Mansion and mills, by purchase, in part, of 
his brother Samuel. His son. Dr. Benjamin born 1704, was 



344 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

the 2d. regularly bred physician, who settled in Scituate. He 
was educated under Dr. Bulfinch, of Boston, and succeeded to 
the Stockbridge Mansion. There is undoubted testimony, that 
he was the great physician of his day. His account books 
exhibit sufficient evidence, that he was a consulting physician in 
difficult cases, in a circle, embracing the whole country from 
Falmouth to Worcester, and to Ipswich. He is remembered 
by a few aged people, as having held the reputation of the first 
physician of the time, and not the reputation of quackery, but 
that of an enlightened benefactor to mankind.* He is described 
as a gentleman of wit and taste, eminently pleasing in his own 
hospitable mansion, and the delight of literary society : and we 
may add, that he had made attainments in the science of music 
which were rare at that time. His wife was Ruth Otis, (daughter 
of Job). His only surviving son, Dr. Charles born 1734, suc- 
ceeded him in his mansion and his profession. He was educated 
in medicine by his father, and attained to a high reputation. Like 
his father, he was pleasing in his manners, and accomplished in 
all literature, and tasteful arts. Dr. Charles born 1790, his 
only son, deceased early, after having commenced the practice 
of medicine. 

Samuel, (son of Charles, sen.) married Lydia, daughter of 
William Barrell 1703, and settled at Mount Blue. His descend- 
ants are in that vicinity. James, his grandson, deceased 1819, 
leaving a family — his widow, Martha (Dunbar before married) 
deceased 1829, aged 91. The father of James was Samuel, 
who married Sarah Tilden 1737. 



DANIEL STANDLAKE, (since Stanley,) 

was a freeman in Scituate 1G36. He settled amongst the men 
of Kent, on Kent street, the 3d. lot south side of " the drift 
way." There is no record of his children. His daughter Jane 
married Thomas Pincin 1639. He had one son Richard, whose 
house was on the west side of Walnut Tree hill, near that of 
Cornet John Buck. His children, Joanna born 1G61, Lydia 
born 1664, (wife of Benjamin Sylvester) Mary 1665, Daniel 
1669, Abigail 1671. This family removed soon after 1700. We 
observe in the Colony Record 1684, " Daniel Standlake (in the 



* Dr. Benjamin educated many young gentlemen in Medicine, from Boston, 
and other towns, amongst whom we may name the distinguislied Dr. Isaac 
Winslow of Marshfield, who married his daughter. 



i 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 345 

house of Richard) was killed hy the discharge of a gun hy 
Robert Trayes, a Negro — tried and acquitted — it appearing 
to be accidental." 

Daniel, sen. deceased 1C39. His will gives, " all my 
property to my wife, except my swine to my two children, they 
to have the females of the increase, and my wife to have the 
males toward maintenance of the children." 

Richard Standlake deceased 1691. His will gives "to wife 
Lydia, all my estate to distribute to the children at her discre- 
tion. Codicil — my will is that my daughters Joanna, Lydia, 
Mary and Abigail share equally in the meadow lands." 

There is no posterity of this family remaining here, save that 
of Jabez Stanley, the natural son of Jabez Rose and Abigail 
Stanley or Standlake born 1700. He married Deborah Turner 
1731, Jabez, jr. married Mary Thrift 1765, had sons Jabez 
and Calvin, who probably removed. 

Dea. SAMUEL STODDER, 

from Hingham, settled on the west side of Brushy hill 1690. 
His children, Leah 1696, Rachel 1698, Seth 1700, (died 1712) 
Elizabeth 1702, Mary 1704, Sarah 1709. He married a 2d. 
wife, viz. widow Sarah Melius 1749. He died 1762, aged 92. 

BENJAMIN STODDER, 

brother of the above, probably, married Mary, daughter of Israel 
Sylvester, sen. 1705, and lived in the west part of the Town. 
His children, Benjamin 1708, Mary 1711, Elisha 1715, Elijah 
1719, Isaiah 1723. Some of these removed. Isaiah had a 
son Melzar born 1756, who left descendants. 

Benjamin, jr. married Ruth Curtis 1 737, and had children, 
Elijah born 1738, Seth 1741, Elizabeth (wife of Capt. WilHam 
Brooks 1774). Elijah married Thankful Whitcomb 1766, and 
had children, Peres, Elijah, Thankful and Mary. He was 
often a Selectman. He removed to New Springfield, Vermont, 
where he recently deceased. Seth married Sprague, and 
deceased 1831, leaving sons Seth and Josiah, who live near 
Hingham line on the Mountain road. 

HEZEKIAH STODDER, 

another brother of Dea. Samuel, settled on Gillman plain 1711, 
and had children, Bathsheba 1711, Joshua 1713, Eunice 1715, 
44 



346 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Hezekiah 1722. The latter succeeded his father, and had sons 
Laban, Hezekiah, Samuel, Obadiah, Deran and Bela, several 
of whom removed. Hezekiah 3d. has left sons in Abington and 
Scituate. His wife, Elizabeth Gardner. 

The families of this name in this vicinity all descended from 
John Stodder of Hingham, who married Hannah, daughter of 
John Bryant of Scituate, 1665. 



ABRAHAM SUTLIFFE 

sold lands in Scituate to Thomas Ingham 1640: also to John 
Stockbridge, " north-east of the Mill." He had a house north 
of Stockbridge's (as it was afterward built). He was living 
1659 wiien "Abraham Sutliffe and Sarah his wife were ordered 
to make retraction for defaming John Sutton, in saying he was 
basely born." Colony Record. 

He had one son Abraham, whose house in 1670 was at the 
foot of Curtis hill, north side of the road on the margin of the 
brook. He was succeeded by Samuel Curtis of York. 



GEORGE SUTTON 

had lands laid out in 1638, on the 1st. Herring brook. His 
house was near John Daman's at the south-west end of Green 
field lane, where it unites with the Drift way. He married 
Sarah, the wife of Elder Nathaniel Tilden, 1641. Children, 
John 1642, Lydia 1646, Sarah 1648, (died early,) Sarah 1650, 
Elizabeth 1653. 

John purchased Conihassett lands, south of Booth hill and 
near Bound brook. His house was near the Brook, a half 
mile south of that hill. He was an Ensign in Philip's war with 
Capt. WiUiams. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel 
House, 1661. Children, Elizabeth 1662, John 1664, Mary 
1666, Sarah 1668, Hannah 1670, Hester 1673, Benjamin 
1675, Nathaniel 1677, Nathan 1679. 

John married Ann Cole, and left sons John, jr. Seth and 
Nathaniel, born from 1705 to 1711. John, jr. had John, An- 
drew and Abner, who married Ann Hayden 1776: Reuben 
and Seth were sons of Abner. 

JVathaniel had a son Ray born 1709. This family has be- 
come nearly extinct in this Town. Reuben deceased 1822, 
and his sons removed. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 347 

John, sen. deceased 1691, and names in his will — "wife 
Elizabeth, children, John, Nathaniel, Nathan, Elizabeth, Mary, 
Sarah, Hester." 

There was a Simon Sutton, who bore arms in Scituate 1643 : 
but soon disappears. John Sutton, who died at Rehoboth 1670, 
may have been his son. Ichabod Cook now occupies the farm 
that was John Sutton's in 1750. 

Capt. THOMAS SOUTHWORTH, 

from Duxbury, son of Dea. James Southworth, and a descend- 
ant of Constant Southworth, an early settler of Duxbury, 
came into Scituate in 1800. He married Sarah, the daughter 
of Dea. Elisha James. He was a shipmaster, and an intelligent 
and exceedingly amiable man. He deceased at New Orleans, 
on a voyage in 1819. His mansion house stood near the gate 
that leads to the " Block house," and was unfortunately burnt 
in 1823 — and was replaced by the much smaller h6use which 
occupies the spot. His widow survives, and also his children, 
Capt. James, Lucy, Nathan, Thomas, Temperance and George. 

THOMAS STAR, 

son of " Comfort Star, who came from Ashford, Kent, Eng. in 
1633, and settled in Cambridge," (Farmer,) was in Scituate 
1644. His son Comfort was born 1644, and his daughter 
Elizabeth 1646. He removed to Yarmouth in 1648 or 9. He 
is styled Surgeon, and is noticed in Dr. Thatcher's Medical 
Biography as living at Yarmouth in 1670. 

John Star of Bridgewater in 1645, may have been another 
son of Comfort Star of Cambridge. His descendants, Joseph, 
(with his sons Joseph and Robert) resided on the east margin 
of the Nippinicket pond, until 1800; at which time they re- 
moved to Maine. 

Comfort Star, (another son of Comfort of Cambridge,) grad- 
uated at Harvard College 1647, and, (according to Farmer's 
register) was a minister at Carlisle, in Cumberland, Eng. — and 
afterward at Lewis, in Sussex, where he died 1711. 

RICHARD SYLVESTER 

was in Weymouth 1633. We find that he gained an unfortu- 
nate notoriety, by espousing certain rehgious sentiments, too 
liberal for the age in which he lived. Mr. Robert Lenthal, his 



348 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

minister af Weymouth, advanced the sentiment, "That all bap- 
tized persons should be admitted to the Communion without 
further trial." (Magnalia I. 222.) This was a heresy to be 
noticed by Government, and he was ordered to retract in pres- 
ence of the General Court ; with wliich order he complied. 
Richard Sylvester, who held the same opinion, adhered to it, 
and in consequence was fined and disfranchised by the Govern- 
ment. This put him upon removing from the Colony, and he 
came to Scituate 1642. Thomas Rawlins, Thomas Clap, 
James Torrey and William Holbrook, came about the same 
time, and probably on account of holding the same sentiments. 
Sylvester settled in Marshfield, or rather in that part of Scituate 
called '« the Two miles." He married the sister of Capt. 
William Torrey. His children were Lydia born 1633, John 
1634, Peter 1637, Joseph 1638, Dinah 1642, Elizabeth 1G43, 
Richard 1648, Naomi 1649, Israel 1651, Hester 1653, Ben- 
jamin 1656. 

We observe an anecdote in Winthrop's Journal, respecting 
the unfortunate death of one of the above children. (Vol. 2, 
p. 77. See also Vol. I. 289.) 

" Richard Sylvester having three small children, he and his 
wife going to the assembly upon the Lord's day, left them at 
home. The oldest was without doors looking to some cattle. 
The middlemost, being a son of about five years old, seeing his 
father's fowling piece stand in the chimney, took it and laid it 
upon a stool, as he had seen his father do, and pulled up the 
cock, the spring being weak, and put down the lumnner, then 
went to the other end, and blowed in the mouth of the piece, as 
he had seen his father also do, and with that, stirring the piece, 
it went off and shot the child into the mouth and through his 
head. When the father came home, he found his child dead j 
the youngest child (being but three years old) showed him the 
whole manner of it." We find a fair record, that Peter born 
1637, died 1642 — the date of the anecdote in Winthrop : and 
also, we find that the two elder sons John and Joseph sur- 
vived and left families. Richard Sylvester deceased 1663, 
He names in his will, John, Joseph, Israel, Richard, Benjamin, 
Lydia, Dinah, Elizabeth, Naomi, Hester. The same year, 
" Richard Sylvester's widow, Naomi, allowed more than her 
husband's will." (Plymouth Colony Records.) 

Lydia married Nathaniel Rawlins 1652, Elizabeth married 
John Lowell 1658. Naomi was John Lowell's 2d. wife 1666. 
Dinah probably did not marry, as also Hester. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 349 

John left a family, Sarah 1671, John horn 1672, Joseph 
1674, Samuel 1676, Lydia 1679. Some of his posterity 
remain. 

Capt. Joseph had a farm north of the Church hill, which, in 
part, he purchased of John Whiston 1664. His house stood 
where that of Mr. Samuel Waterman now stands. (See mili- 
tary affairs). He was Capt. under Col. Church, in the Eastern 
Expedition against the Indians, 1689. The next year he was 
Capt. (with 16 men from Scituate, many of whom never re- 
turned,) in Phips' Canada Expedhion, and died in the service. 
His will was verbal ;* and proved in the Court by three of his 
soldiers, viz. Benjamin Stetson, John and WilUam Perry, giving 
" all my lands at Hugh's cross to son Joseph : the three 
younger sons to be provided for by their mother out of the re- 
mainder of my estate." Wife Mary, Executrix. His children 
were Joseph born 1664, Mary 1667, Anna 1669, Benjamin 
1672, Amos 1676, David 1682. The descendants of this 
family are in Hanover. Joseph Sylvester, of Cumberland 
County, Maine, married Lucy Wade 1788. He lived at a 
place called Prout's Gore.f 

Richard removed. He was in Milton 1678, when he mar- 
ried Hannah, the " daughter of Old James Leonard of Taun- 
ton." See Records at Boston. 

Israel had a house one fourth mile south-east of the south 
Meeting-house, on the margin of the 2d. Herring brook in 1670. 
That house was taken down by Elnathan Cushing 1829. His 
children were Israel born 1674, Silence 1677, Richard 1679, 
Lois 1680, Martha 1682, Mary 1683, Elisha 1685, Peter 1687, 
Zebulun 1689, Bathsheba 1692, Deborah 1696. Of the sons, 
Richard lived at the place of the late Elijah Turner, Esq. and 
had sons Nehemiah and Seth. 

Peter married Mary Torrey 1712, had children, Peter 1713, 
Hannah 1717, Joshua 1717, Mary 1721, Levi 1723, Deborah 
1726. In 1727 this family removed to Leicester, where there 
are descendants. Peter born 1713, had sons, Peter, Otho, 
Amos, Ezra, Elisha. Henry H. Sylvester, Esq. of Charles- 
town, N. H. we believe is the son of Peter last named. 

Zehulun, (son of Israel) had a son Elisha, who succeeded to 
the residence at the Herring brook, (he was the father of 

* Several Nuncupative Wills were allowed by the Court after that Expe- 
dition. 

t The Town of Turner, in Maine, was a grant to this family for services 
in the Canadian wars. 



350 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Thomas deceased, and Elisha living.) Zebulun had also a 
son Israel born 1717, and deceased at Snappet 1812, aged 95. 
Benjamin, (youngest son of Richard, sen.) married Lydia, 
daughter of Richard Standlake 1684. Sons, Benjamin born 
1685, Joseph 1688, probably his descendants are in Marshfield. 
Richard sold his Weymouth farm to John Holbrook 1650. 



THOMAS TART 

was a Conihassett partner 1646. He was here 1640, when he 
is mentioned as a shop-keeper in the Colony Records. He 
built the first house on the ancient Ellmes farm, which he sold 
to Rhodolphus Ellmes 1659. In the deed, he is then called 
of Barbadoes. His daughter Elizabeth married Thomas Will- 
iams (we beheve of Boston) 1638. 



ISAAC TAYLOR, 

from Massachusetts and probably from Concord, was in Scitu- 
ate as early as 1686. He had several children baptized in the 
2d. Church, viz. Isaac 1693, Mary 1696, (who was the wife 
of Mr. Nathaniel Brooks in 1723) Jonathan 1698, David 1700. 
The latter left a daughter on record, viz. Delight born 1732, 
Isaac, jr. married Ruth Green 1718. Children, Isaac born 
1721, Ruth 1723, Isaac 1725. 

WILLIAM TAYLOR 

was a brother of Isaac, and probably elder. His children on 
record were Lydia 1688, Elizabeth 1692, Mary 1696. This 
family has long since disappeared from our records. Benjamin 
Taylor married Anna Bates 1720, and John married Elizabeth 
Gilford 1730. Whose sons they were, it does not appear in 
our Records. 

WILLIAM THRIFT 

had several children born in Scituate, viz. Hannah 1732, Mary 
who married Jabez Stanley 1760, Hannah married John Gaynes 
of Boston 1759. 

JOHN TWISDEN, 

freeman 1639, purchased the farm of Isaac Robinson on the 
south-east of Colman's hills, the same year : which farm he 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 351 

sold to Thomas Robinson 1645, and removed to Georgiana or 
York. His daughter EHzabeth married Dea. Joseph Tilden 
1649. Samuel Tvvisden, probably his son, had lands in Scitu- 
ate 1670. He deceased here 1680, leaving no family on 
record. 

Sergeant WILLIAM TICKNER 

appears in Scituate 1656, in which year he married Hannah, 
the daughter of John Stockbridge, and succeeded to the man- 
sion house of his father in law at the Harbour, (Mr. Stockbridge 
having removed to Boston about that time). Serj. Tickner 
was engaged in agriculture, navigation and mercantile pursuits. 
His "warehouse" is mentioned in our records in 1660. His 
farm was three fourths of a mile south-west from the harbour, 
now the well known place of Abijah Otis. He was often en- 
gaged in municipal affairs, as selectman, assessor, surveyor, he. 
He was also in Philip's war in 1676, being a Serjeant in Gen. 
Cudworth's guard or " particular company." 

We find the names of his children, by recurring to the bap- 
tisms in the 2d. Church in Scituate ; and from the circum- 
stance of his having belonged to that church, we know that he 
was ot the moderate party of Puritans. (See Chap, on Eccle- 
siastical History.) 

His son John was baptized May 1659, and William 1664. 
His wife Hannah deceased in 1665, and he married Deborah, 
the daughter of Thomas Hyland : she also deceased 1693, and 
her husband was then living, The latter wife left no children, 
that we have discovered. John, the eldest son, deceased in 1665. 

William, jr. succeeded his father in business and in useful- 
ness in the town. He married Lydia, the daughter of Dea. 
Joseph Tilden, 1696. His children were Hannah, born 1697, 
John 1699, William 1700, Lydia 1702. He sold his farm, 
warehouse, Sic. to Job Otis 1710, for 400£, and removed to 
Lebanon, Con. Of his children, we are able to give an account 
only of 

John. He married Mary Bailey at Lebanon, Con. 1724, and 
deceased 1751, leaving children, Mary born 1725, John 1727, 
Lydia 1729, Isaac 1733, Ehsha 1736, Hannah 1737, James 
1740, (died 1812, without children) Irene 1747, David 1750, 
(died early) of these 

Isaac deceased in Lebanon, Con, and if we mistake not, his 
son Isaac succeeded him, and deceased 1812, leaving children, 
David who died 1830, Asahel of Susquehannah County, Penn. 



352 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

John, (of Clinton, Georgia) planter and merchant. Dr. Olney, 
a respectable physician, of Clinton Georgia, William of Sus- 
quehannah, Penn. Mary, wife of Benjamin Woodworth of 
Columbia : and Clarissa, wife of Mr. Ormsby, of Clinton, 
Georgia. Most of these have families. 

Col. Elisha, (son of John and Mary Bailey) married Ruth 
Knowles of Truro, Mass. 1755, by whom he had children, 
Elisha born 1757, Ruth 1759, (died early) John 1761, (of 
Plainfield, N. H. and father of John, a merchant of Mobile, 
Erastus of Plainfield, and several daughters,) Paul Knowles 
1761, (of Lebanon, N. H. and father of Isaac and Paul, and 
six daugliters) Joshua 1765, (of Illinois) Ruth born 1767, 
(died early) Elias 1769, of N. H. (father of Olney, Joshua, 
Samuel, Elisha, William, Elias, Barton, and three daughters). 

Ruth, the wife of Col. Tickner,* deceased 1771, and he 
married Deborah Davis of Lebanon, Con. 1772, by whom he 
had Deborah 1773, (wife of Alfred Bingham, and mother of 
many children) James born 1776, (of Illinois, and father of 
Thomas, Hiram and others) Samuel born 1778, (of Lisle, 
N. Y. and father of Elisha, Lewis, David, Samuel, and daugh- 
ters) Ruth born 1781, (wife of Daniel Richards of Illinois, and 
mother of 17 children) William born 1785, (of Lebanon, N. H. 
and father of William, of Boston, and others) Tryphena born 
1787, (wife of Elisha Kimball of Lebanon, N. H. and mother 
of several children) David born 1791, deceased in Boston 
1829, where he had been a broker, and leaving sons, William, 
Benjamin, George — and by a 2d wife, Baldwin. 

Col. Tickner, the father of these fifteen children, removed 
from Connecticut, with several other families, in 1774, and 
settled in the plantation now called Lebanon, N. H. He had 
a command in the New Hampshire Troops, in the expedition 
against Crown point, he. in the Revolutionary War. He died 
1822. We give some further notice to one of Col. Tickner's 
sons, viz. Elisha, who graduated at Dartmouth College 1783. 
He was master of the Latin school connected with that College 
until 1786, when he removed to Boston, where he was Princi- 
pal of a Grammar school until 1794, and afterward, a success- 
ful merchant. We believe that the primary schools of Boston 
owe something to Mr. Tickner, of their present happy arrange- 
ment : and we can add, that the establishment of the Savings 
Institution was an object in which he laboured with peculiar 

" Tlio name in ScitiKile records is uniformly written Tickner; the family 
now generally write Ticknor. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 353 

interest. He married in 1791, Mrs. Betsey, the widow of 
Dr. Benjamin Curtis ; her maiden name was Billings of Sharon. 
She had several children, at the time of her second marriage, 
and after this marriage she had one son, viz. 

George Tichior born 1791. He graduated at Dartmouth 
1807, and was educated for the Bar, under direction of Hon. 
William Sullivan. We trust we shall be pardoned for adding 
that he was in Europe from 1815 to 1819 at Gottingen, and on 
various travels, and during his absence, in 1817, was appointed 
Smith Professor of French and Spanish Literature, and Pro- 
fessor of Belles Lettres in Harvard University, on the duties of 
which office he entered in 1819. He married Anna, the daugh- 
ter of late Samuel Eliot, Esq. of Boston 1821, and has children, 
Anna Eliot and George Haven. 



Elder NATHANIEL TILDEN 

came from Tenterden in Kent, with his family, before 1G28. 
(See page 8.) He was chosen Ruling Elder of the first 
Church in Scituate 1634. His house lot was on Kent-street, 
the 3d. south of Greenfield lane. He had also lands at Long 
marsh: and lands also in 1640, on the east side of the North 
River, below Gravelly beach. We have not learned the name 
of his wife. His children were born in England, and were 
Dea. Joseph, Thomas, Mary, Sarah, Judith, Lydia, and 
Stephen, born, as nearly as we can conjecture, from 1615 to 
1627. Of the daughters, Mary was the wife of Thomas Lap- 
ham, Sarah the wife of George Sutton, Judith the wife of 
Abraham Prebble, and Lydia the wife of Richard Garret, all 
of Scituate. 

Dea. Joseph succeeded to his father's residence in Kent 
street. He belonged to the 2d. Church, of which he was 
chosen Deacon 1655 : and of course he belonged to the liberal 
or moderate class of Puritans. (See Chap, on Ecclesiastical 
History). He married Elizabeth, the daughter of John Twis- 
den 1648. His children were Nathaniel born 1649, John 
1652, Rebecca 1654, Joseph 1656, Stephen 1659, Samuel 
1660, Elizabeth 1665, Lydia 1666, Benjamin 1668. Of the 
daughters, Rebecca married Lieut. James Briggs 1673, Eliza- 
beth married Samuel Curtis, jr. 1690, Lydia married William 
Tickner, jr. 1696. Of his sons, Nathaniel married Mary 
Sharp 1673, and settled at the well known John Tilden Farm, 
a mile north-west of the Harbour. The house stood nearly 
45 



354 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

where stands the house of John Man. His children were 
Nathaniel born 1G78, (and whose daughter Ruth was born 
1715) Elizabeth born 1681, Joseph born 1685, and by a 2d. 
wife, (Margaret Dodson) Mary born 1694, and Margaret 1696. 
John had lands contiguous to his brother Nathaniel's farm, but 
leaving no children, they were inherited by Joseph the son of 
Nathaniel. Joseph (last named) married Sarah, the daughter 
of Timothy While 1710, and had two sons, John born 1715, 
and Job 1725. The posterity of Job, probably are in Han- 
over. John married Sybil 1744, and succeeded to his 

father's residence. His children were Thomas born 1743, 
Mary 1750, Sarah 1756. Thomas married Abigail Hatch 
1766, succeeded to his father's residence, and had children, 
Abigail born 1767, Deborah 1770, Capt. John 1772, (who 
resides on the paternal farm) Amos 1774, of Scituate, near 
Merritt's brook, Thomas 1775, of Boston, Mary 1777, Lydia 
1779, Patience 1781, Sybil 1783, (wife of Capt. G. W. Stet- 
son) and Joseph 1785, of Boston. 

Joseph (son of Dea. Joseph) was living in Marshfield 1693, 
and also Stephen, and we may add Samuel also, who settled 
on the North river, between Gravelly beach and Union bridge, 
whose son Samuel was born 1689, (by a first wife) his 2d. 
wife was Sarah Curtis 1694. The latter Samuel married 
Desire Oldham 17] 7, and his son Samuel was born 1718. 
The latter was the father of the venerable Dea. Samuel Tilden, 
now living, aged 94, and occupying lands which his family has 
possessed since 1640. He is the patriarch of three numerous 
generations : his sons are Capt. Samuel, Capt. Jotham, Charles, 
Elisha, Dr. Calvin, Benjamin, Capt. Luther, Hatch, and 
Nathan. 

Benjamin (the youngest son of Dea. Joseph) had a farm in 
Marshfield on the North river, a part of the lands above men- 
tioned. He died unmarried in 1693, and left his lands to his 
" seven brothers and sisters," and not naming John, we con- 
clude he had before deceased. Probate Records. 

We return to Elder Tilden's sons. 

Thomas was on the roll of those that bore arms in Scituate 
1643 (with his brother Joseph) but we find no trace of a fam- 
ily. He may have returned to England. 

Stephen (the youngest son of Elder Tilden) married Han- 
nah, daughter of Thomas Little (of Plymouth and afterward of 
Marshfield) 1661, He resided principally in Marshfield. His 
children were Hannah born 1662, Stephen 1663, Abigail 1666, 
Mary 1668, Judith 1670, Joseph 1672, Mercy 1674, Ruth 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 355 

1676, Isaac 1678, Ephraim 1680, Ebenezer 1681, David 1685. 
We have had Httle opportunity of tracing further the genealogy 
of this family ; we can only add that David married Abigail 
Pitcher 1710, and had chUdren, David born 1711, Abigail 
1713, Hannah 1715, Elijah 1719, Mary 1722, Ezra 1724. 
Ebenezer had a family, Mary born 1715, Ebenezer 1717, and 
perhaps others. Joseph had a family in Marshfield, one of 
whom was Christopher, baptized in the first Church in Scitu- 
ate 1712. The latter married Sarah Parrot of Boston, and 
there resided. He was the father of the late Maj. David Til- 
den of Boston (whose sons were David, Christopher, James 
and Nathaniel) and of the late Capt. Joseph Tilden, also of 
Boston (whose sons are Joseph, Bryant P. and William, 
) and of the accomplished wife of late Judge Nathan 
Gushing, of Scituate. 

Elder Nathaniel Tilden deceased in 1641. His Will gives 
" to wife Lydia, the income of my Stone house, with the lands, 
in Tenterden in Kent, Eng. in which Richard Lambeth now 
dwells, &tc. he. To son Joseph, a double portion, that is, as 
much as both Thomas and Stephen, (in lands, houses, he. in 
Scituate and Marshfield). To Lydia and Stephen, my two 
youngest children, a maintenance till 21. To Judith, a cow. 
To Mary, wife of Thomas Lapham, 10s. To Sarah, wife of 
George Sutton, 10s." The inventory of his estate, in the 
Colony Records, shows that he belonged to the wealthiest class 
of early settlers. We remarked, in his inventory, " Ten stocks 
or swarms of bees, appraised at 10£," and it is the earliest 
notice we have met with, respecting the keeping of bees in the 
Colony. 

Dea. Joseph Tilden died June 3d. 1670. His will gives 
" To wife Elizabeth 100£. To sons Nathaniel, John, Stephen, 
Samuel, Benjamin, lands already deeded to them. To daugh- 
ter Elizabeth 10£. To sister Lydia Garrett 5£. To daugh- 
ters Rebecca and Lydia, all my other goods in equal shares : 
also I acquit my brother Stephen of all dues." 

Nathaniel Tilden (son of Dea. Joseph) deceased 1730. 
His will gives legacies "to wife Margaret — sons Nathaniel 
and Joseph — daughters, Mary Hyland and Margaret Foster — 
and the six children of daughter Elizabeth Hatch deceased." 

There was a Thomas Tilden who came to Plymouth in the 
Ann, 1623. He may have been a brother of Elder Nathaniel, 
but could not have been his son. There was a Joseph Tilden 
also amongst "the Merchant Adventurers" in London 1626, 
who was probably another brother of the same family. 



356 FAMILY SKETCHES. 



ROBERT THOMPSON 

was in Scituate 1712. His house was on the lane which leads 
north-west from Hobart's landing gate. Mr. Gushing Briggs 
now owns the place. He married Ann, daughter of John Bar- 
ker, Esq. 1713. Children, Robert 1715, Barnabas 1717, 
Ann 1719, John 1720, Thomas 1721. This family soon 
removed. 

JAMES TILL 

was in the family of Isaac Stedman 1639. He had a grant of 
Marsh land at Till's creek, which received its early name from 
that circumstance, (now Dwelley's creek, opposite Gravelly 
beach west-side of North river). He left no family here, and 
probably removed to Boston with Stedman. 



THOMAS TOTMAN* 

came from Plymouth 1660. He resided south side Church 
hill. His son was Stephen, whose children were Samuel born 
1693, Stephen 1695, Mary 1696, Christian 1699. Of these, 
Stephen had a son Ebenezer born 1720, who left two sons, 
Thomas, who removed, and Stephen born 1756, a Revolution- 
ary soldier ; and who deceased 1830, leaving descendants in 
Scituate, Weymouth and Boston. Ebenezer married Grace, 
daughter of Hawkins Turner : she is said to be living now at 
Brookfield. She was born 1732. 



Capt. BENJAMIN TOLMAN 

came from Dorchester in 1709. He was the son of John 
Tolman, and grandson of Thomas Tolman, who came from 
England, and settled at Dorchester before 1640. He had also 
a son Thomas, whose posterity are in Dorchester and the 
vicinity. Capt. Benjamin of Scituate, married Elizabeth, the 

* Mary, wife of Thomas Totman, died suddenly 166C. Verdict of a Jury 
of 12 men, " Tiiat siie did gatlier, dress and eat a root (vvliich slie judged the 
same she had eaten of before) of a poisonous nature, which we believe the 
sole cause of her death." Thomas Totman died suddenly 1G78, Jury's ver- 
dict : "his own wilful abstractinge of himself from food." 



I 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



357 



widow of Bazaleel Palmer 1709. His residence was one 
fourth mile south-east of the Church hill. There he established 
a Tannery. His children were Beniamin born 1710, Samuel 
1711, Elizabeth 1713, Joseph llis, William 1716, Elisha 

Samuel and Benjamin left no families. Elizabeth married 
Joseph Copeland. 

Capt. Joseph married Mary, the daughter of "Lawyer 
Thomas Turner" 1738. His children were Joseph and John, 
who survived, Samuel who died early, and daughters Hannah, 
Mary and Ehzabeth, born from 1740 to 1755. 

Joseph born 1750, and now living, married Bethia, daughter 
of Abiel Turner, 1771. Their children, Abigail 1772, wite of 
Capt. Samuel Lewis of Cincinnati, Roxana 1775, Arithusa 
1777, wife of Mr. Nye of Falmouth: Hannah 1779, wile of 
Mr. Nye of Falmouth, Bethia 1785, Joseph Robinson of Scit- 
uate, born 1787, Mary 1793, wife of Samuel Hart, Naval 
Architect, Brookline N. Y. , , r 

John (son of Capt. Joseph) married Dolly, the daughter ot 
Dr. Hall of Pembroke, 1784. He had sons who removed to 
Boston. 

William (son of Capt. Benjamin) married Abigad Williamson 

1740, and resided in Marshfield. His son Benjamin married 
Mercy Thomas 1764, and Benjamin, son of the latter, married 
Nancy Crooker 1784, and lived in Pembroke. 

Elisha (son of Capt. Benjamin) married Miriam Turner 

1741. His sons were Samuel (who married Rebecca Cope- 
land 1784, and whose sons are Col. Samuel and Joseph) 
Charles who married Mary Sylvester 1774, (and whose sons 
were the late Elisha and Charles :) Elisha born 1743, (died 
early) and Miriam 1740. 

There was an Elkanah Tolman, from Dorchester probably, 
who resided a short time in Scituate : he had a son Ezra 1739. 

We add that the primitive Thomas Tolman, who settled in 
Dorchester, lived to 1697, and in that year gives legacies in 
his will " to daughters Sarah Leadbetter, Rebecca Tucker, 
Ruth Ryall, Hannah Lyon, Mary Collins, and to sons Thomas 
' my great chub axe,' &:c. to John, meadow lands, &;c." 

BENJAMIN TOWER, 

a descendant of Thomas, an early settler in Hinghara, came 
hither from Weymouth 1716, and lived on the east margin of 



358 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Accord Pond. He married Betliia Woodvvorth 1718. Chil- 
dren, Deborah born 1718, Bethia 1720, James 1722, John 
1724. 

James married Margaret Day and Lucy Dunbar. He was 
a soldier at Fort William Henry in the French war. Matthew, 
his son, born Dec. 1st. 1755, (see Israel Smith) married Rusha 
Hatch of Marshfield 1781. He was a Revolutionary soldier, 
and deceased March 1831. His children, Rusha the wife of 
Samuel Eells of Hanover, Betsey the wife of Capt. Isaac 
Whittemore 1811, and of Ebenezer T. Fogg, Esq. 1820, 
and Benjamin Hatch Tower, Harvard Col. 1806, died 1808. 
Horace, an intelligent and enterprising young man, was lost at 
sea 1820, mate of a ship from Salem, George Hodges, Master. 

John married Lydia Hollis of Weymouth 1746 — his son 
Jonathan Hollis died at Watertown, leaving sons, James and 
Jonathan Hollis. 



SAMUEL TUELL, 

a descendant of Daniel, of Boston, married Mehitabel James 
1700, and left Thankful born 1701, Mehitabel 1703, and 
removed to Marshfield. 

Benjamin Tuell, brother of the above, married Joanna Cas- 
well of Hingham 1707. His son Caswell was born in Scituate 
1716. This family removed early. 



Lieut. JAMES TORRE Y, Clothier, (see Mills) 

was in Scituate before 1640. He purchased a house lot 1643, 
of John Stockbridge. His house stood 10 rods south of the 
gate that leads to Hobart's landing, (in the Neal field since 
called). The freemen also granted him a considerable tract of 
land south-west of his house lot. He was a man of great use- 
fulness and respectability, as may be seen in other parts of this 
work. 

He married Ann, the daughter of Elder William Hatch 1643. 
His children, James born 1644, William 1646, Joseph 1649, 
Damaris 1651, Jonathan 1654, Mary 1656, Josiah 1658, 
Sarah 1660, Joanna 1663, Bethia 1665 (a few days after her 
father's decease). Of these children, 

Dea. James succeeded to his father's residence, and to his 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 359 

father's usefulness. He married Lydia Wills, (daughter of 
William, who lived on Wills' Island) 1666. She deceased 
early : and he married Elizabeth, daughter of Nathaniel Raw- 
lins 1679, whose children were Ann 1680, James 1682, Will- 
iam 1683, Nathaniel 1686, David 1687, Elizabeth 1689, 
Samuel 1691, Rachel 1693, Joseph 1694, Stephen 1696, 
Lydia 1698 : A. D. 1701, he married Eunice, widow of Jonas 
Deane, and had one daughter, Eunice born 1701. 

Josiah had a considerable tract of land contiguous to Herring 
brook hill on the north. His house was in the valley one fourth 
mile north of the South Meeting-house, opposite to the present 
house of Mr. James N. Sparrell. He unfortunately lost his 
life, A. D. 1693. He was in the act of drying the Town's 
stock of powder on the roof of his house, when a spark from 
the chimney falling, his life was instantly lost, and his house laid 
in ruins. He married Isabel, widow of Samuel Witherell 1684 : 
his children, Mary 1685, Josiah 1687, Ruth 1694, Caleb 
1695, Jemima 1696, Keziah 1702, the last four being chil- 
dren of a 2d. wife, Sarah Mendall, married 1692. 

These two sons only of Lieut. James left families in Scituate. 
William (we believe) removed to Plymouth, from whom 
descended the late valuable Capt. William Torrey of Pem- 
broke, a revolutionary officer, whose son Haviland is living in 
Hanover. 

Of the sons of Dea. James Torrey, James married Sarah 
CoUamore 1710, and lived in Marshfield. William lived a 
half mile north of Buinpus bridge, (near the house of late 
Walter Jacob). He married Margaret Buck 1706. Children, 
Margaret 1707, Abigail 1708, (wife of Samuel Howard of 
Bridgewater 1725). He married a 2d. time. Honour Rogers 
1711, whose children were Honour 1711, William 1713, Han- 
nah 1715, Samuel 1720, Mercy 1722, Eunice 1725. 

David, son of Dea. James, married Hope Warren 1710, and 
had children, Stephen 1710, Rachel 1712. 

Capt. Caleb, son of Josiah, succeeded to his father's resi- 
dence, having built a house a few rods south on the margin of 
the hill. It was many years a tavern, and was taken down 
1827. He married Mary Bryant 1731, Mary Clap 1735, and 
had children, Ruth 1736, (wife of Robert Craig) Caleb 1738, 
(whose sons were Caleb deceased, and Daniel of Maine) Isaac 
1740, died single 1812, Mary 1742, Deborah 1747, Hannah 
1752, James 1755, (father of James of Maine, Rev. William 
of Canandaigua, and Charles deceased) George born 1758, 
(father of George, David, Isaac living, and Otis deceased, and 



360 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

3 daughters). The descendants of Capt. Caleb are the only 
branch of the family remainmg here. Lieut. James, of Scitu- 
ate, was brother of Capt. William of Weymouth, so long a re- 
presentative and " clerk of the deputies" in Mass. We observe 
in the Colony Records, that in 1665 Capt. William was the 
guardian of the four younger sons of Dea. James. Capt. 
William left sons. Rev. Samuel and William. Joseph (son of 
Joseph and grandson of Dea. James) removed to Leicester 
1743. 



HUMPHERY TURNER, (Tanner) 

arrived, with his family, in Plymouth 1628. He had a house 
lot assigned him 1629, and he erected a house and resided 
there until 1633 probably; the latter being the date of the lay- 
ing out of his house lot on Kent street, viz. the 4th. lot from 
the corner of Satuit brook. The farm, however, on which he 
resided, was east of Colman's hills, near the spot occupied 
by his descendant James Turner. The house was on the 
side of the road next the hill. He also had 80 acres granted 
by the freemen of Scituate, at the place now known as Union 
bridge on the west side of North river in 1636. This land 
remains in possession of his descendants. Humphery Turner 
erected a tannery as early as 1636. He was a useful and 
enterprising man in the new settlement, and often employed in 
public business. His wife was Lydia Gamer, who deceased 
before her husband. He died 1673, and left children named 
in his will, in the following order, " John, Joseph, young son 
John, Daniel, Nathaniel, Thomas, daughter Mary Parker — 
daughter Lydia Doughty — Grandchildren, Humphrey (son 
of Thomas) Mary Doughty — Jonathan, Joseph and Ezekiel 
(sons of John, sen.) and Abigail, daughter of Nathaniel." Exec- 
utors Nathaniel and young son John. These all left famiUes 
except Joseph. 

John, sen. married Mary Brewster, daughter of Jonathan, 
eldest son of Elder Brewster. He settled 30 rods north-west 
of Union bridge, where he erected a tannery. His children 
were Jonathan born 1646, Joseph 1647, Joseph 1648, Ezekiel 
1650, Lydia 1652, John 1654, Elisha 1657, Mary 1658, 
Benjamin 1660, Ruth 1663, Isaac 1665, Grace 1667, Amos 
1671. 

In 1683, " Twenty acres were laid out for John Turner, sen. 
east of Barstow's hill and adjoining the 3d. Herring brook." 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 3G1 

Scituate Records, Vol. ii. p. 53. On this land lived his son 
Isaac, and two generations of his posterity. 

" Young son John, (so named probably at request of a god- 
father) lived north-east of Hick's swamp, (near now Leonard 
Clap's). His wife was Ann James, 1649, (see William James). 
Children, David, (not married) Japhet, Israel, Jacob, Philip, 
Meriam, (wife of Nathan Pickels) Ann, (wife of Joseph Green 
of Weymouth) Sarah, (wife of Ichabod Holbrook). 

Thomas lived near the Harbour (probably on the Kent street 
lot). He married Sarah, daughter of Thomas Hyland 1652. 
Children, Nathan, Elizabeth, Eunice, (wife of Thomas Buck, 
jr.) Mary, Humphrey, Thomas, Esq. Grace, (wife of Benjamin 
Stetson) Josiah, Charles, from 1652 to 1664. 

Daniel removed to Barstow's (now North river) bridge. He 
married Hannah, daughter of William Randall 1665. Children, 
Lazarus, (who died in Phips' expedition to Canada 1690) 
Elihab, (no sons) Hannah, (wife of John Magoon alias M'Goun) 
Amasa, Mary, (wife of Mr. Fish) Abner, Elizabeth, (wife of 
Israel Holmes) Rachel, (wife of M'Alls). 

JYathaniel lived on the paternal farm, east of Colman's hill. 
He married Mehitabel Rigby. Children, Nathaniel, Abigail, 
Samuel, Mehitabel, Lydia (wife of John James, 2d generation 
1719). 

We think not proper to pursue this genealogy, because there 
is extant a Genealogical table prepared by Hon. Charles Tur- 
ner, jr. We rather proceed to name a few more of the ancient 
seats of this numerous family. At the west end of Parker lane 
lived Charles, (son of Thomas) who married Mercy Curtis 
(daughter of Samuel). He was succeeded by his son Charles 
who married Eunice James, (daughter of John) to whom suc- 
ceeded his son, Hon. Charles, who married Mary Rand, 
(daughter of Rev. Mr. Rand of Kingston) : he was 20 years 
minister of Duxbury, and afterward v/ell known in political life, 
as member of the Convention that formed Massachusetts State 
Constitution, and of that which adopted the Federal Constitu- 
tion, and also as a Senator in the State Legislature. He has 
been succeeded by Hon. Charles, jr. who married Hannah, 
(daughter of Col. John Jacob) sometime member of Congress, 
and now the Master of the Marine Hospital at Chelsea. His 
son, Theodore, now occupies the place, whose children are the 
6th. generation that has resided there. 

One fourth mile south of the above, on the west side of the 
way, was the seat of Benjamin, another son of John, sen. He 
married Elizabeth Hawkins 1692, and was the father of Haw- 
46 



362 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



kins and Benjamin, which latter was the father of Capt. Elisha, 
an officer in the French war 1659 and 1600, in Col. Thomas's 
regiment. 

Jonathan and Joseph (sons of John, sen.) resided near the 
place now occupied by Gushing Otis, Esq. opposite Union 
bridge lane; Joseph left no son. Jesse (the son of Jonathan) 
settled near the beautiful hills, one fourth mile north-west from 
Union bridge, ou land granted to Humphrey his great grand- 
father 1636. His sons were Capt. Jonathan, a Revolutionary 
officer, who lived at the south side Mount Blue, Seth who 
deceased 1830, John now living, and Elisha deceased, whose 
widow, and only daughter Lydia (with her husband Samuel A. 
Esq. son of Hon. Charles, jr.) occupy the place of Jesse above 
described. Seven generations have owned that farm. 

Philip, who first occupied the farm east of Hoop-pole hill, 
was the son of John, jr. (or young son John). His wife was 
Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Nash, jr. His son Israel suc- 
ceeded him, who married Deborah Lincoln, and was succeeded 
by Philip, his son, who married Juda Hatch and widow Sarah 
Vinal, which latter survives on the place, and is now the wife 
of Lazarus Bowker. Nathaniel, son of Philip, sen. named 
above, setded at the Four corners north of Studley hill, whose 
sons were Nathaniel, Elijah, Esq. and Job. Jacob, Esq. of 
Lyme, N. H. is grandson of Israel above, and son of Jacob. 

John called " litde John" lived at the Gravelly hill north- 
west a quarter mile from the souUi JMeeting-house (see Dr. 
Barnes) his sons were Richard and Abiel. Richard was the 
father of Consider, a Revolutionary soldier, of whose skill at 
repartee many anecdotes are still told.* Abiel married Eliza- 
beth Robinson, a lineal descendant of the celebrated Puritan 
John. His son Rowland survives, as also his daughters Bethia 
the wife of Mr. Joseph Tolman, and Martha of Elijah Clap; 
and Abiel (oldest son) at Livermore, Maine, born May 3d. 
1741. Maj. Amos, son of John, sen. who married Sarah 

* As a specimen of his facetioiisness it is related, that when the army were 
throwing up the breast works at Roxbury, tiicy struck upon tJie bonrs of an 
Indian buryini; n;''""'i'l : and Gen. Heath said as he passed by, " let those 
men lie, we have soldiers enough." " But, (said Turner) if your honor 
pleases, we want officers." In 1777 he was taken prisoner by Burgoyne, at 
Ticonderoga, and was kept in the camp until the surrender. We have been 
informed, by a fellow soldier of his, that ho used to afford infinite amusement 
to the officers, and that the Gen once said to him, " I sha'nt exchange you, 
Turner; I shall carry you home; the king wants a fool." When Burgoyne 
marched out with iiis army and surrendered. Turner took occasion to pass 
near the Gen. and say, " we sha'nt exchange your Honor, the People loant 
a fool." 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 363 

Hiland, and Hannah, widow of John Clap, 1732, lived 
fifty rods north of Stockbridge's mill and Mansion. His son. 
Col. Amos, lived in Hanover, and left one son Amos, who re- 
moved to Medway. 

Thomas (son of Thomas and grandson of Humphrey) was a 
lawyer of notoriety in 1690, and later. He resided near the 
Harbour, married Hannah, the daughter of Edward Jenkins 
1693 : frrom his son Ephraim, descended the family " whose 
schools of politeness (says a writer) have contributed so much 
to polish the manners of our Metropolis." David was the 
minister of Rehoboth. Thomas was the father of Col. George 
and Capt. Thomas late of Pembroke. He had daughters also, 
Hannah, (wife of Barnabas Barker) Relief, (wife of Gershom 
Ewell of Marshfield) Jemima, (wife of Capt. John Doggett) 
Lettice, (wife of Thomas Tilden) Sarah, (wife of Mr. Burr) 
Ruth, (wife of Mr. Titus) and Mary, (wife of Capt. Joseph 
Tolman) . 

The ancient Humphrey Turner farm has descended to 
Nathaniel, who married Mehitabel Rigby, to his son, Capt. 
Samuel, who married Desire Barker and widow Abigail Leav- 
itt, daughter of Lieut. Thomas Gill of Hingham, to his son 
James, who married Mary Turner, to his son James, who mar- 
ried Deborah Lincoln, and to his sons Nathaniel and James ; 
the grand children of Nathaniel being the 8th generation. 

Scarcely another family has extended more widely than that 
of Humphrey Turner. A branch is in North Carolina, viz. 
Thomas, son of lawyer Thomas. But not all the people of 
this name in the country descended from Humphrey. There 
was Capt. Nathaniel of Massachusetts, who had a command in 
the Pequod war 1637, (see Savage's Winthrop.) Also Robert 
of Boston 1639, and Michael also, who left families. There 
was a Thomas Turner in Hingham 1637, whose son Thomas, 
was in Scituate 1680, and left sons, Thomas born 1682, Will- 
iam 1683, Joshua 1687, Caleb 1691, David 1693, Joseph 
1696, Benjamin 1704. Some of their posterity, are in Pem- 
broke, at the Brickkilns. 



SAMUEL UTLEY 

was in Scituate 1648, when he married Hannah, daughter of 
Elder William Hatch. His daughter Lydia born 1653. The 
family soon disappears from our Records. It may be the same 
name as Uxley, early in Taunton. 



864 FAMILY SKETCHES. 



GEORGE VAUGHAN 

was in Scituate 1656. In 1657, " Elizabeth, Joseph and 
Daniel, children of George and Elizabeth Vaughan were bap- 
tized," (2d. church). In 1658, John was baptized, and Mary 
1660. This family was in JMarshfield 1663, when " George 
Vaughan of Marshfield was fined for not attending public wor- 
ship," (Colony Records). In 1669, " George Vaughan was 
licenced to keep an Ordinary at Middleboro." In 1676, 
" Joseph Ellis at Scituate with John Vaughan and Daniel 
Hicks, jr. going into the water of the harbour to swim, s' Joseph 
Ellis was drowned. Jury's verdict, that the water in s' harbour 
was the sole cause of his death." 

George Vaughan died at Middleboro' 1694. His will gives 
"to son Daniel, to daughter Mary Washburn, to son Joseph, to 
daughter Elizabeth Howland, to daughter Mercy Due. Eldest 
son Joseph administrator." The wife of George Vaughan was 
EHzabeth Hincksman of Marshfield, married 1652. 



Widow ANNA VINAL 

with three children, appeared in Scituate 1636. A record 
made by her son Stephen is extant, from which we quote " as 
I had the relation from my owne mother, I was born about the 
middle of Dec. 1630. We came into New England in the 
year 1636, and into the town of Scituate the same year." 

Martha was the eldest of the three children ; she was mar- 
ried to Israel Chittenden 1646. Stephen was born 1630, and 
John was two or three years younger. 

Anna, this enterprising widow, erected a house in 1637, on 
the brook, (north of Stockbridge's mill pond, in later times). 
She seems to have possessed considerable property. Amongst 
the Conihassett partners in 1646, we notice Anna Vinal. She 
deceased in 1664 : Stephen and John were administrators. 
Colony Records. 

Stephen succeeded to his mother's residence. He married 
Mary, the daughter of Rev. Nicholas Baker 1661. Children, 
Mary 1662, Stephen 1664, (died early) John 1667, Adam 
1670, (died early) Hannah 1671, Stephen, jr. 1675, Gideon 
1678, Samuel 1681, Mary 1684. 

John lived on the corner of Kent street and Meeting-house 
lane. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Nicholas 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 3G 5 

Baker 1GG4. Children, John born 1C65, Elizabeth 1667, 
Hannah 1G69, Jacob 1670, Grace 1672, the wife of Ebenezer 
Mott 1700. 

Stephen, jr. exchanged lands with John, jr. and took the re- 
sidence on the corner of Kent street, where his descendants 
Capt. William and Charles now live. He married Mary Wood- 
worth 1704. Children, Stephen 3d. 1705, Gideon 170G, Han- 
nah 1711, Deborah 1714, David 1716, Issachar 1718. 

JoAjt, jr. married Mary . Children, Jacob, jr. 

1691, Elijah 1694, Elizabeth 1697, John 3d. 1699, Mary 
1701, Ezekiel 1704, Hannah 1707, Sarah 1711. 

Jacob married Mary Cudworth 1695. Children, Mary 1696, 
Israel 1698, Jacob 3d. 1700, Nicholas 1703, Job 1705, Jona- 
than 1707, Joanna 1711, Job 1713, EHzabeth 1715, Ignatius 
1717, Seth 1719, and Joshua. 

Jacob, jr. (son of John, jr.) married Elizabeth Simmons 
1716. Children, Ehzabeth 1717, Jacob 4th. 1719, Joseph 
1721, Priscilla 1723, Mary 1725. 

Stephen 2d. married Sarah Stodder 1729, and left no son 
on record. 

John 2d. married Sarah Cudworth 1729, and left a son 
Benjamin, who married Sarah Merritt 1768. 

Jacob 3d. son of Jacob, married Anna Ellmes 1730. Chil- 
dren, Nicholas 1731, Anna 1732, Jacob 5th. 1737, Clodius 
1743, Mary 1748. 

Jacob 4th. son of Jacob, jr. married Lydia Holbrook 1743. 
Children, Levi, Lot, and Jane, and perhaps others. 

Joseph married Martha Jenkins 1745. Children, Joseph 
1749, Asa 1753, Martha 1756, Capt. Nathaniel, (whose son 
is Dexter) and Capt. Ezra, who died at Matanzas, leaving 
children in Scituate. 

Issachar, son of Stephen, jr. married Mary Chittenden 1741, 
Judith Bailey 1750. Children, David born 1742, (who lived 
in Maine, and whose sons David, Gideon, Otis and Job, live 
in Boston) Capt. William 1751, (whose sons Capt. William, 
Gideon, Abel and Charles live in Scituate) Mary 1755, Debo- 
rah 1758, Stephen 1760. 

Israel, son of Jacob, sen. married Elizabeth Booth 1723, 
sons, Israel, Esq. and Jonathan. 

Israel, Esq. married the daughter of Dea. Joseph Gushing, 
and left sons Israel, (whose daughter Sophia is wife of Capt. 
John Whitney of Quincy) Robert, Nathaniel, (whose sons are 
Capt. Howard, Nathaniel and Robert) Maj. William, well re- 
membered for his enterprise in the fisheries at Scituate Har- 



366 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

bour, and afterward for projecting the settlement at Quincy 
Point, &;c. and Lemuel of Scituate Harbour, whose son is 
Gushing. 

Ignatius married Mary Tilden 1743, and lived in Marshfield. 
Sons Stephen, Job and Ignatius. 

Ezekiel, son of John, jr. married Mary Wade, and had chil- 
dren, Francis, Sedotia and Elizabeth. He removed to Maine. 

Jonathan, son of Israel, sen. graduate Harvard College, was 
a preacher, but not setded. He married Chloe Pope 1765, 
Jonathan born 1765, is his son. 

Seth, son of Jacob, married Hannah Tilden, and lived in 
Marshfield. Children, Seth born 1749, Joshua 1752, Han- 
nah 1754. 

Joshua married Ruth Randall 175G — this was probably son 
of Jacob 3d. 

Mr. WILLIAM VASSALL. 

The first notice given of this distinguished gentleman, in our 
early history, is, that he was amongst the Patentees of Massa- 
chusetts ; Samuel, his brother, was another patentee, but he did 
not come to this country. Gov. Endicot was sent over by the 
Company to prosecute the plantation (Cradock acting as Gov- 
ernor in England) in 1628, Mr. William Vassall was one of 
Cradock's Assistants. In 1631, a complaint was " sent home" 
against the administration of Gov, Endicot, and William and 
Samuel Vassall were chosen referees on the part of the com- 
plainants, and Winthrop and Johnson on the part of the Com- 
pany. Mr. Vassall had made a short visit to this country in 
1630, probably with Gov. Winthrop, who arrived 12th. June 
1630, but he returned the same summer, sailing about the end 
of July. The fact of his having been chosen a referee in the 
cause of the Browns, is taken by some of our historians for 
proof, that he was an Episcopalian. (See our chap, of Eccle- 
siastical History). Whether these transactions set him at 
variance with the settlers of Massachusetts, we know not : cer- 
tain is it, however, that the stern Puritans of the day frowned 
upon him, either through envy of his talents or suspicion of his 
" leaning to the Bishops." Winthrop (Vol. ii. 262) character- 
izes him as " a man of busy and factious spirit." On his return 
to Boston in 1634, he proceeded immediately to Plymouth 
Colony, where puritan ism had taken a milder form from the 
church of the tolerant Robinson. 

Here he found a retreat much to his taste at Scituate, and 



FAMILY SKETCHES 



367 



united himself harmoniously with Mr. Lothrop's church, in 
1634-5, and enjoyed that peace until 1642, when President 
Clmuncey came to be the Pastor. He soon entered into a 
controversy with Mr. Chauncey, on the subject of baptism, 
&c. ; for an account of which, and for a true explanation of 
Mr. Vassall's religious sentiments, we refer the reader to our 
chapter on Ecclesiastical history. 

In 1635, he had a considerable tract of land laid out to him, 
by order of Court, on a beautiful neck of land on the North 
river. He denominated his plantation " West Newland," his 
house which was erected 1635, " Behe house," the whole neck 
of land " Belle house neck," and a beautiful field of plantmg 
land on the north side of the neck, " Brook haU field." 

His mansion is not spoken of by tradition as peculiarly mag- 
nificent, nor was it peculiarly substantial : it stood but about one 
century, having been taken down in 1742 by the second Judge 
John Gushing, and replaced by the mansion which is now 
standing. His plantation on the Neck was not large. Samuel 
FuUer and Resolved White owned the north end and Elder 
King the south, and the whole Neck not containing more than 
two hundred acres. In front of his Mansion was the "New 
harbour ferry," afterward Dogget's ferry, and now Little's 
bridge. Just below this ferry Mr. Vassall planted " an oyster 
bank" 1639, and had the privilege of it secured to him by law. 
What was the success of the project we have not learned, but 
it is not within the memory of any now living, that oysters were 
found in the river. He had other farms, and particularly, 
that which he purchased of Mr. Lothrop (see Lothrop) on the 
east of Colman's hills, when that Rev. gentleman removed to 
Barnstable 1639. This was afterward sold to Mr. Hatherly, 
and by the latter to President Chauncey, 1642. 

While Mr. VassaU remained in Scituate, he was constantly 
employed in all public offices in the plantation : but he appears 
in no office in the Colonial Government, save as Counsellor of 
War. Whether this was owing to the suspicions that rested on 
him of " inclining to the Bishops," or to his own inclination, 
we may not fully ascertain. His brief experiment in affairs of 
government in Massachusetts, probably made him cautious. 
We learn from Winthrop (Vol. ii. 321) that Mr. Vassall went 
to England in 1646, to aid Dr. Child's petition for redress of 
wrongs and grievances in the Government : and that Edward 
Winslow being then an Agent for the United Colonies there, 
wrote a book against the petition, entitled, " New England's 
Salamander discovered," intending by this title a satire upon 



368 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Mr. Vassall, " a man never at rest (as his enemy says) but 
when in the fire of contention." Winthrop adds, " finding no 
entertainment for his Petitions, he went to Barbadoes." ElUot 
observes, " when Jamaica was taken, he laid the foundation of 
the great estates which his posterity enjoyed until the Revolu- 
tion," alluding doubtless to Maj. Vassall's family at Quincy, 
Boston and Cambridge, who were the descendants of Mr. 
William, and who, being loyalists, left the country in the Rev- 
olution, and abandoned such of their property as could not be 
carried away. Mr. Vassall's residence in the West Indies 
was " in the parish of St. Michael, in the Island of Barbadoes, 
where he deceased 1655," (Historical Soci. Pap. Vol. iv.) 
That he was one of the most wealthy of the settlers in Plym- 
outh Colony, even before the acquirement of his West India 
estates, appears from many circumstances. He left Scituate 
for England 1646. We have very few means of preparing an 
account of his family. Judith, his daughter, married Resolved 
White 1640, (see White). Frances married James Adams 
1646, (see Adams). Another married Nicholas Ware in Vir- 
ginia, (says Mr. Baylies). Capt. John, the only son of which 
we have any knowledge, bore arms in Scituate 1643. In 1652, 
he was Lieutenant under Cudworth. In 1647, he was a free- 
holder and received assignments of common land in his own 
right. In 1661, he sold the "Belle house plantation" to John 
Gushing, and removed. While he remained in Scituate, he 
was a highly respectable citizen, and frequently associated with 
such men as Mr. Hoar and Mr. Saffin, as an " overseer," as 
the Selectmen were usually called. 

We have so understood it (but without positive record) that 
Maj. Vassall of Quincy (above named) was his son ; whose 
sons Lewis, John, and William, graduated at Harvard College 
1728, 1732, and 1733. 

That daughter of Mr. Vassall who married Nicholas Ware, 
had removed with her husband to Barbadoes before 1656, at 
which date, we observe in the Colony Records, that Frances, 
wife of James Adams, " sold to Nicholas Ware of Barbadoes, 
all her right to the estate of her late father, William Vassall, in 
the Island of Barbadoes." 

We mentioned above, a controversy between Mr. Vassall and 
Mr. WInslow ; and we will add here, that it does not appear 
that Mr. Vassall wrote any thing on that occasion. The 
pamphlet of Edward Winslow was an answer to a pamphlet, 
entitled, " New England's Jonas cast up at London," by Maj. 
John Child, brother to Dr. Child who forwarded the petition. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 369 

The anecdote is briefly this. The people of Hingham hav- 
ing superseded Lieut. Eames, in the choice of Bozoun Allen, 
Capt. the Couit refused to sanction the choice. Some warm 
expressions having fallen from the mouths of many of the peo- 
ple of Hingham on the subject, and a petition being presented 
which gave offence, the Court proceeded to fine and imprison 
many of the petitioners. This gave rise to an appeal to Par- 
liament : and Dr. Child's petition was sent to England, under 
care of Dr. Child, WiUiam Vassall and Thomas Fowle. The 
substance of the prayer of the petition was " against the dis- 
tinctions which are maintained here, both in civil and church 
estate," (see Hutchinson). They sailed from Boston in the 
ship Supply, 164G. It was known at Boston that the papers, 
containing the petition and the proceedings of the Massachusetts 
General Court, were about to be sent in that ship, and Mr. 
Cotton at the Thursday Lecture, preached from Cant, ii. 15. 
" Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines, &ic." 
and in his Uses took occasion to say, that he advised the ship 
master, that if storms did arise, to search if they had not in any 
chest or trunk, any Jonas on board, which if you find, I do not 
advise you to throw the persons overboard, but the writings. 
Storms did arise : and some of the passengers remembering 
Mr. Cotton's Sermon, a woman from amongst them came from 
between decks, about midnight, to Mr. WiUiam Vassal], who 
lay in the great cabin, (but for the present was in the steerage 
door way looking abroad) and earnestly desired him, if there 
were any Jonas in the ship, it might be thrown overboard. He 
asked her why she came to him? and she said, because it was 
thought that he had some writings against the people of God. 
But he answered her that he had nothing except a petition to 
Parliament, that they might enjoy the liberty of English sub- 
jects, and that could be no Jonas. After this she went into the 
great cabin to Mr. Thomas Fowle, in a like distracted man- 
ner, who told her he had nothing but a copy of the petition, 
which himself and others had presented to the Court at Boston ; 
but if she and others thought that to be the cause of the storm, 
she and they might do what they would with it. So she took 
and carried it between decks, to them from whom she came, 
and they agreed to throw it overboard : but they had many 
great storms after that. After their arrival at London, the 
report of an astonishing miracle was spread abroad, viz. the 
saving of the ship and passengers by throwing the petition to 
Parliament overboard : whereas " it was only a copy of the 
petition to their own Court at Boston ; and the petition to Par- 
47 



370 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

liament was still in ihe ship, together with another copy of that 
which was thrown overboard, and were as well saved as their 
lives and other goods, and are here to be seen and made use of 
in convenient time." — JV. Enghnd\s Jonas Cast up at London. 
It is worthy of remark, that most of the principles held by 
such men as Cudworth, Vassall, Hatherly, and Roger Williams, 
for which they suffered the persecutions of the early Colonial 
Governments, were such principles of civil and religious liberty 
as are now recognized to be the truest and best. The writers 
who gave an account of such men, were interested, and there- 
fore not to be implicitly regarded, when they draw portraits of 
the men whom they wished to render odious. The way to test 
the true character of those persecuted men, and the false color- 
ing of their interested historians, is, to compare their principles, 
with those principles which constitute that civil and religious 
liberty which we now hold so dear. 

NICHOLAS WADE (His will is dated 1683.) 

took the oath of fidelity 1638. His house and homestead were 
on the west side of Brushy hill, and north-east side of the road 
where Shadrach Wade, his descendant of the sixth generation, 
now resides. In 1657, he was licensed to keep an ordinary or 
tavern. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Ensign, 
and his children were John, Thomas, Nathaniel, Elizabeth, 
Joseph, Hannah born 1656, Nicholas born 1660, Jacob 1661, 
of these children Jacob left no family here : he was living 1676, 
and received a legacy from his uncle John Ensign. Joseph 
fell with Capt. Pierce in the Rehoboth battle, 1676. Elizabeth 
married Marmaduke Stevens, and was divorced 1 679. " Nich- 
olas Wade, and his daughter Elizabeth, petitioned the Court 
for a divorcement from Stevens, he being a man of debased 
life, having another wife in Boston, and another in Barbadoes," 
(granted) Colony Records. 

Thomas married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Curtis 
1672. His children, Jacob born 1673, Joseph 1675, Sarah 
1678, Thomas 1680, Hannah 1682, Ichabod 1685, Moses 
1689, Deborah 1691, Rachel 1692. Some of these were born 
in Bridgewater. 

JYicholcis,jr. left a family, Mary born 1688, (wife of Eben- 
ezer Woodworth 1712) Margaret born 1690, Ruth 1692, (wife 
of James Merritt 1715) Nathaniel born 1694, (died early) and 
Nicholas born 1696. 

Joseph, (son of Thomas) married Ruth Gannet 1705. Chil- 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



371 



dren, Ruth 170G, Elizabeth 1708, Joseph 1710, Jacob 1712, 
Issachar 1714, Zebulon 1716, Sarah 1719, Smieon 1722. 
Some of the posterity of this family may be in Bridgewater. 
Zebulon married Mercy Norton of Edgartown 1744. 

Issachar married Thankful Merritt 1 750. Child ren, Hannah 
born 1751, Thankful 1752, John 1755, (who married Abigad 
Bates 1779) Issachar 1758, (married Mary Pierce 1783) 
Snell 1762, (married Charlotte Otis 1783) Nancy 1764, 
Elizabeth 1765, Lucy 1768. There were some branches ot 
this family which we could not trace, for want of records. 

Simeon Wade married Eunice Studly 1750, whose daughter 
Eunice married William Russell of Boston 1784. 

JYathanisI, (son of Nicholas, jr.) married Hannah Vinall 
1729. Children, Nathaniel born 1730, Levi 1732, Shadrach 
1734, David 1738, Abednego 1750, Stephen 1755. 

Nicholas (son of Nicholas, jr.) married widow Bathsheba 
Nichols 1723, and lived, we believe, in Bridgewater. 

Jacob, (son of Joseph) married Rachel Turner 1734. His 
son Jacob removed to Portland, and Sarah his daughter mar- 
ried William Hayden 1766. 

JVathaniel, (son of Nathaniel) married Patience Hatch 1/59. 
Children, Patience born 1760, Nathaniel 1762, Hannah 1766, 
Deborah 1771. 

Stephen, (son of Nathaniel) married Mercy Pierce 1/81, 
and had children, Abednego born 1782, Shadrach 1784, (who 
occupies the original farm) Mabel 1787, Betsey 1789, Han- 
nah 1791. 

Note Jonathan Wade of Maiden (freeman 1G34) is said to have been a 
brother of Nicholas of Sciluate ; his posterity remains in Essex county. 

EDWARD WANTON 

was in Boston before 1658 : tradition says he came from Lon- 
don • and further, that his mother came with him ; but of his 
father we have neither record nor tradition. He appears in 
Scituate as a resident in 1661, and had lands 1660. Before 
he left Boston, he became a convert to the faith of the Qua- 
kers the narrative of which is as follows. The severity of the 
Massachusetts Government towards this new sect, havmg been 
carried to the extent of executing three of them m 1659, 1660 
and 1661 Edward Wanton was an officer of the guard, on 
one or more of these occasions. He became deeply sensible 
of the cruelty, injustice and impolicy of these measures: he 
was greatly moved by the firmness with which they submitted 



373 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

to death, find won entirely by their addresses before their ex- 
ecution. He returned to his house, saying, " Alas, Mother ! 
we have been murdering the Lord's people," and taking off his 
sword, put it by, with a solemn vow never to wear it again. 
From this time he conversed, on every opportunity, with the 
Friends, and soon resolved to become a public teacher of their 
faith. In Scituate 16G1, he purchased a farm of 80 acres, of 
William Parker, at the well known ship-yard, a little below 
Dwelley's creek. He had also extensive lands on Cordwood 
hill : and also south-west of Hooppole hill, which latter were 
sold to Nathaniel Brooks 1723. The house of Edward Wan- 
ton stood near the bank of the river, on the land that is now 
improved as a ship-yard, and on the spot occupied by the small- 
er Work-house. Here he conducted the business of ship- 
building with great success : and we may add, that he held a 
distinguished place amongst the enterprising settlers of the 
Town. Of his success as a religious teacher we have spoken 
elsewhere, (see Ecclesiastical History). He remained firm 
and active to an advanced age. His last visit to Newport as a 
representative from the quarterly to the yearly meeting was in 
1716, when he was fourscore and five years old, and he de- 
ceased soon after his return, Oct. 16th, 1716, and was buried 
on his own plantation, a few rods north-east of his house, where 
several of his family and of the family of Rogers have since 
been buried. The farm bears the name of this venerable man, 
though it has passed into the possession of another family near- 
ly a century since. His name will go down to posterity so 
long as a history of the Town shall be known. His memory is 
held in respect, by tradition, from generation to generation. It 
may gratify some antiquarian, when we record, that a widow 
Mary Howland, a descendant, on the Island of Canonicut, has 
preserved some curious articles of the household furniture of 
Edward Wanton, which he brought with him from England. 

He was probably married before he left England. In Bos- 
ton were born to him Edward 1658, Margaret 1660, neither 
of which children lived to mature years : and their mother also 
deceased 1660-1. After his removal to Scituate, one of the 
Ministers, of his sect visited him, having recently came from 
England, and took an opportunity to recommend to him a 
woman of his acquaintance in England for a second wife. 
Proposals were accordingly sent in writing, and she came in 
compliance therewith. Her name was Elizabeth 
They were married 1663, and had children, Joseph born 1664, 
George 1666, Elizabeth 1668, William 1670, John 1672, 



FAMILY SKETCHES 373 

Sarah and Margaret 1674, Hannah 1677, Michael 1679, 
Stephen 1682, PhiHp 1686. 

The will of Edward Wanton, dated 1716, gives 

" To daughter Elizabeth Scot a mulatto boy called Daniel, 
if he be found, he being now run away. 

To sons Joseph, William and John, all my lands at Penn- 
sylvania, with all my money in the hands of Edward Shipin. 

To grandson William, (son of William) one third of the sloop 
that Tobias Oakman goeth master of. 

To son Philip, (lands, k.c.) To daughter Hannah Barker 
5£.* To grand-daughter Mary Wanton (daughter of Stephen) 
450£, when nineteen years of age, and the like sum to her sister 
Lydia. To grandson John (son of John) lands, &.c. To 
Nathaniel Chamberlain of Pembroke, all my wearing apparel, 
and to Chamberlain's two daughters, Abigail and Joanna, 5£ 
each. Item 5£ to repair our meeting-house near Ichabod 
Evvell's. To son Michael, all the residue of my estate. 
Michael Executor." 

Joseph removed to Tiverton 1688, and conducted the 
business of ship building at " the narrows or gut." He mar- 
ried Sarah, daughter of Gideon Freeborn, Nov. .9, 1689. He 
and his wife were both public speakers of the Society of 
Friends, and tradition speaks of their benevolence and chari- 
ties. He deceased March 3d. 1754, at the age of 90. He 
had several children, of whom we will name Mary, the wife of 
Thomas Richardson, many years Treasurer and Receiver 
General of Rhode Island. Her daughter, Sarah Richardson, 
was wife of Thomas Robinson of Newport, and remembered 
for great accomplishments of person and mind. Gideon, the 
son of Joseph, was distinguished for his talents and influence. 
He was Governor of Rhode Island, 1747 and 1748. He mar- 
ried Mary Codman of Newport 1718, and left children : but 
the name in this line is now extinct, the last having recently 
deceased at Richmond, Virginia. 

William, (son of Edward) began his distinguished course by 
stepping out of the rules of his religious sect, and performing 
some distinguished military exploits; and in the narrative of 
these exploits the name of his brother John must be asso- 
ciated with that of William. In 1694, when William was 
at the age of 24, and John at 22, a pirate ship having 
committed several robberies in the Bay, in which the family 
property had suffered losses, these two young men headed 



Wife of James Barker, of the place called Drinkwator, in Scituate. 



374 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

a party of volunteers, and captured the pirates, and carried 
them into Newport, where they were executed. Again in 
1607, just before the peace of Ryswic, during the troubles 
with Count Frontenac, Governor of Canada, a French armed 
ship had taken several prizes in the Bay : and again William 
and John Wanton fitted out each a vessel from Boston, well 
manned with high spirited volunteers, and admirably accom- 
plished their design. It is said that William ran under the 
stern of the French ship and wedged her rudder, while John 
and his party boarded. Whether this method of embarrassing 
the Frenchman were practicable or not, we do not know : we 
only state that this is a part of the fireside narrative, that has been 
handed down. It is also said, that the venerable Edward en- 
deavoured to dissuade his sons from this enterprize as unlawful, 
according to the rules of their church ; but on finding their 
determination fixed, he thus addressed them. " It would be a 
grief to my spirit to hear that ye had fallen in a military enter- 
prize, but if ye will go, remember that it would be a greater 
grief to hear that ye were cowards." 

The fame of this exploit reached England, and when the 
two Wantons went to England in 1702, they were invited to 
Court, and Queen Anne granted an addition to their family 
coat of arms, and presented each with two pieces of plate, 
with proper devices, viz. a silver punch bowl and salver. These 
pieces of plate are said to have been stolen from their houses 
at Newport, during the raging of the mobs in the political con- 
test of Hopkins and Ward, whh the exception of one piece, 
w^hich is now said to be extant in Newport. 

We now proceed with William. He left Scituate 1704, and 
settled in Newport. He had previously married Ruth, the 
daughter of Dea. John Bryant, sen. To this match, there had 
been several objections : the Quakers disapproved of his mar- 
rying out of the Society, and the Congregationalists of his 
marrying into theirs, and moreover the woman was very young ; 
however, the sanguine temper of Wanton was not to be foiled, 
and he is said to have addressed the young woman in the 
presence of her family in the following words : " Ruth, let us 
break away from this unreasonable bondage. I will give up 
my religion, and thou shalt give up thine, and we will go to the 

church of England, and go to the D 1 together.'''' They 

fulfilled this resolution, so far as going to church and marry- 
ing, and adhering to the church of England during life. In 
1732 he was elected Governor, and again 1733, and died near 
the close of that year. The house which he built and in which 



i 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



375 



he deceased, is now occupied as a boarding house in Thames 
street, Newport. He left several children, among whom we 
will name Joseph, who succeeded to his father's mansion. He 
graduated at Harvard College 1751 : he adhered to the church 
of England as his father had done. He is now remembered 
by some aged people, and described as a gentleman of the 
most fair proportions and majestic personal appearance. He 
was chosen Governor 1769, and re-elected for six successive 
years. He deceased 1782, and was buried in the Clifton 
burying ground. Joseph, his son, is the only survivor of the 
name in this branch of the family : he is an Episcopal clergy- 
man in or near Liverpool, England.* 

John, whose memoirs we have connected, in part, with those 
of William, was truly a remarkable man. After the death of 
his brother William, when strong political parties began to 
agitate the Colony, he was persuaded by his friends to permit 
himself to be voted for as Governor, with the expectation that 
he might unite the factions through the influence of his fame 
for personal bravery, and his credit as the most wealthy citizen 
of the Colony, for he had been eminently successful in trade. 
He had indeed renounced his military fame, and embraced the 
faith of the Quakers as early as 171-2, and travelled much as a 
religious teacher. It was however thought to be a conjuncture, 
when it became his duty to heal the divisions of the times ; and 
success attended the plan. He was chosen first in 1734, and 
re-elected for seven successive years. He died in office, May 
5th, 1740, and was laid in the Coddington burying ground, 
where a marble monument was erected. 

In one of the years of his administration, there were certain 
conflicting Indian claims to be settled within the Colony of 
Connecticut, and the cause was referred to the three Govern- 
ors of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. At this 
trial, a question was agitated whether the Sachems should be 
permitted to speak in their own cause : Counsel contended 
that they should not, and two of the Board inclining to 
that opinion. Governor Wanton remarked, that as they had 
already agreed to admit the testimony of some of the na- 



" Gov. Josepli married INTary, daughter of Jolin Wiiitlirop of New London. 
His daughter Ann married Winthrop Saltoiistali of New London, son of 
Gen. Gurdon Saltonstall, Mary married Capt. Coddington of Newport, 
Elizabeth married Thomas Wickliam of Newport (and one single daugiiter 
of this lady is now living,) Rutii married William Browne, Governor of Ber- 
muda. Catharine married Mr. Stoddard and Mr. Detilenr. 

Information from James Bowdoin, Esq. 



376 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

lives, it would be but proper, tbat their chiefs should be allowed 
to speak. " I have (says he) been accounted a man of courage 
in my day, but I think I shall turn coward and flee, if you 
bring in a body without a head." This sally carried the point; 
the Sachems were allowed to speak, and the Governor was 
often heard to express his admiration of the powers of oratory 
in those children of the forest. 

He is described as of middling statnre, thin features and fair 
complexion — remarkable for his gentle attentions to children, 
many of whom would gather round him to catch his smile in 
the street, or collect at his door, as he sat in his portico. He 
resided in a house which he purchased, opposite to that of his 
brother William. His wife was Mary Stafford of Tiverton. 
James, his son, inhabited his mansion, whose son George is the 
only survivor of the name in Newport. 

John (son of Gov. John) married into the ancient and re- 
spectable family of Redwood. His son Jonas Langford Wan- 
ton, deceased at Cranston 1827, aged 88, and left no children. 

Michael (son of the primitive Edward) settled on the pater- 
nal estate in Scituate. His marriage is on the Town Records, 
"to Mary New of Scituate 1704," but she was born in New- 
port. His 2d. wife was Abigail Kean of Pembroke 1716. 
He succeeded his father as the religious teacher of the Society 
of Friends, and was a successful propagator of tlie sect. He 
was a cotemporary with Rev. Nathaniel Eells of the South 
Parish in Scituate, and they are said to have lived in more har- 
mony with each other than could be expected from the cir- 
cumstances. Wanton being fired with the zeal of a new sect, 
and Eells entertaining contempt for an uneducated ministry. 
He is said to have been a man of so much meekness and gen- 
tleness, that all contention with the Congregationalists was laid 
aside ; a circumstance which, if it did not contribute to promote 
his sect, at least disarmed opposition and persecution. He was 
cotemporary with Thomas Turner, a lawyer of iacetious mem- 
ory, whose scarcasms were often aimed at Wanton, and always 
received with such undisturbed good humor, that at length they 
became sincerely attached to each other, though of different 
temper and different sects. On one occasion, Wanton had been 
successful in a fishing excursion, and loaded his boat with fine 
hallibut, and calling, on his return, at the tavern at White's 
ferry, and finding an assemblage of gentlemen attending a trial 
by reference, he caused an entertainment to be prepared of his 
fish, and invited the whole company to dine. This was done 
in consequence of a sarcasm of lawyer Turner, who had thus 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 377 

addressed him, " Friend Wanton, you are like the Apostle Peter. 
In the first place he was a fisherman, and so are you — he was a 
preacher, and so are you — he denied his Lord, and so do you." 
It was agreed by the company that Wanton had the advantage 
on this occasion. He deceased in Scituate and was buried on 
the paternal farm. His children were Ruth born 1705, Mary 
1707, Stephen 1709, and by his 2d. wife, Lusanna 1717, 
Hannah 1721, Michael 1724. Stephen inherited the family 
estate, which he sold to John Stetson 1740, and removed to 
Newport. He married Mary, daughter of Samuel Clark, of 
Canonicut 1736. His daughter Hannah is the mother of 
Stephen Gould of Newport, Cabinet Keeper of the Historical 
Society of Rhode Island.* Stephen Wanton deceased 1769, 
aged 56. Mar)', daughter of Michael, married Daniel Cogges- 
hall of Portsmouth, Rhode Island 1726, and Ruth married 
Freeborn of R. I. 

Stephen (son of the primitive Edward) lived and died in 
Newport, leaving no children. 

Philip, the youngest son, lived in Newport, and united the 
business of merchant and apothecary. He married Hannah, 
daughter of Thomas Rodman 1711. He died 1735, and was 
laid in the Clifton burying ground. 

His son Philip succeeded to his father's mansion and business. 
He married Elizabeth, daughter of John Casey 1749, and Sarah 
Lawton 1761. Philip, his son, removed to Alexandria, on the 
Potomac 1790, where he resides with his family : he has sev- 
eral sons, by whom the name, which has become extinct in 
several branches, may be preserved. 

Elizabeth, (daughter of the primitive Edward) was a mem- 
ber of the 2d. Congregational Church in Scituate 1711. She 
is called Elizabeth Scot, in her father's will 1716. 

THOMAS WARDIN 

was in Scituate 1690. His wife was Elizabeth Sergeant. His 
children, Thomas born 1690, Elizabeth 1692, Frances 1695, 
Samuel 1698. The family probably removed to Boston. 

Capt. ANTHONY WATERMAN, (son of Thomas) 

came from Marshfield 1760, and settled on the farm that was 
Capt. Joseph Sylvester's (see Sylvester). Here he erected a 

* The author acknowledges the important assistance of this gentleman, 
in collecting the Notes upon this family. 

48 



378 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Tannery, and conducted the business successfully. He mar- 
ried Deborah, daughter of Joseph Foster, of Plymouth. His 
children, Nathaniel born 1761, Anthony 1763, Thomas 17 5, 
Foster 1768, James 1770, Samuel 1772, Jotham 1774, Deb- 
orah 1779. 

JVathaniel left a family in Marshfield, and deceased 1820. 
His residence was east of the brook at Rogers hill, where he 
established a Tannery, and in which he is succeeded by his 
sons, Anthony and James. 

Anthony (son of Capt. Anthony) resided at Buck's corner, 
near the Harbour. His son James, conducts the Tannery in 
the south part of the Town, at the ancient Tolman and Cope- 
land place. 

Thomas (son of Capt. Anthony) married Sarah, daughter of 
Maj. Nathaniel Wmslow, and deceased early, leaving one son, 
viz. Capt. Thomas Waterman, who resides east of the brook at 
the ancient Copeland place, named above. The widow of 
Thomas, sen. married Ebenezer Copeland, and now survives, a 
widow, having three daughters, Sarah, widow of Rev. Nathan- 
iel Wales of Maine, Ehzabeth, wife of Capt. Joshua D. Turner 
of Hingham, and Huldah, wife of James Waterman of Schuate. 

Foster, Esq. (son of Capt. Anthony) has been a lawyer in 
Maine, and now resides in Scituate, single. He graduated at 
Harvard College, 1789, and was sometime Tutor at that Col- 
lege. James died early. 

Samuel resides at the paternal place, where he conducts a 
Tannery. He married Sarah, daughter of Hawkes Cushing. 
His children, Sarah, (wife of William Winslow) Charlotte 
Cushing, Frances, Samuel, Lemuel Cushing. 

Jotham (son of Capt. Anthony) graduated at Harvard College 
1799. He was some time Minister of Barnstdble. He mar- 
ried Bennet, and has a family. Deborah (daughter of Capt. 
Anthony) died early, 

Nathaniel Waterman, Esq. who married Mercy, daughter of 
Joseph Otis, was brother of Capt. Anthony. He resided at 
Scituate Harbour. He was distinguished for his firmness and 
zeal in the Revolutionary War, having been on the Town's 
Committee of Correspondence in those times. He left one 
son Nathaniel, who resides in Maine. The wife of Thomas 
Hobart, Esq. of Hanson, is also his daughter. Also the wife of 
Anthony Waterman, jr. and the wife of Lemuel Vinal. This 
family descended from Robert Waterman of Plymouth, who 
married Ehzabeth Bourn 1638, and who was afterward of 
Marshfield. He had a brother Thomas Waterman of Roxbury, 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 379 

who died 1670, leaving an only son, Thomas, who was in 
Hingham 1679, and whose son Robert was born 1680, as we 
see in Hobart's Journal. Robert, sen. of Plymouth died 1665, 
and Josiah Winslow and Anthony Snow were appointed guar- 
dians to his two youngest sons Joseph and Robert, (Colony 
Records.) He had also sons, John born 1642, Thomas 1644, 
and perhaps others. 



THOMAS WEBB, (from Boston) 

married Mary, daughter of Dea. Samuel Stodder 1725, and 
succeeded to the residence of his father in law, on the west of 
Brushy hill. He had a son Thomas (his wife Margaret Wood- 
worth 1747,) who succeeded him, and whose sons were Thomas 
born 1750, Barnabas born 1753, and Paul 1758. Barnabas 
occupies the paternal place. Thomas, sen. had also a son 
Samuel, whose sons were, Samuel born 1754, Otis 1760, and 
Lemuel born 1764 : the latter has sons, Capt. Seth (son in law 
of Jesse Dunbar, Esq.) and Lemuel. 



JOHN WARREN, (from Plymouth) 

married Naomi Bates 1713. His children, James born 1714, 
and Hope 1716, (the wife of Capt. Caleb Torrey) John 1719, 
Nathaniel 1721, and others. 



ISAAC WELLES 

took the oath of fidelity in Scituate 1638, and removed to 
Barnstable 1639. Joseph, probably his son, married Grace 
Dipple, in Scituate, 1666, and Joseph, probably a grandson, 
married Abigail Smith, in Scituate, 1705. 



JAMES WERMAL 

took the oath of fidelity in Scituate 1638, and removed to 
Duxbury soon after. His son Josiah was in Duxbury 1670, 
and John (probably son or grandson) died in Bridgewater 
1711, and his estate was settled by his widow, Mary. 



380 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

OBADIAH WHEATON 

had children born in Scituate, Alice 1684, Lydia 17C4. 

JOHN WHISTON 

was in Scituate 1636, in which year he received a grant of 
land, nearly opposite to " Meeting-house lane" on the west. 
He had various other grants ; but there was his house lot. 
He was a Conihasset partner 1646. His wile was the sister 
of Edward Jenkins. There are but two births of his children 
on record, viz. Increase 1656, Bathsheba 1660. John was 
the second son, born as early as 1647, Joseph was eldest. He 
married the daughter of William Brooks. We notice in the 
Colony Records the following entry : " 1665, Joseph Whiston is 
authorized to sell lands for the use of his brothers and sisters, 
with the help of his father in law, William Brooks, and his 
uncle Edward Jenkins." His father, of course, had deceased 
about this time.* Joseph probably removed to Boston, as we 
find few traces of him after this date. Sarah married Thomas 
Nichols 1663, and Susanna married Thomas Perry 1671. 

John, jr. was a freeman 1660. He left children, Mercy born 
1678, Abigail 1680, Joseph 1683, John 1686, Susanna 1688, 
(see baptisms). His farm was west of the Church burying hill, 
and his house twenty rods south of Capt. Joseph Sylvester's. 
His son John had sons. Increase born 1713, Joseph 1716. It 
has been said that this family, near the latter date, removed to 
Connecticut. Gershom Stetson succeeded to the possession 
of the house, which has been taken down many years since. 

JOHN WHITCOMB 

we suppose to have come from Dorchester, in Dorset, England, 
from the circumstance that it was a common name in that 
vicinity, and that he came with the early settlers of Dorchester, 
N. England, who were most of them, from Dorsetshire. He 
was in Dorchester as early as 1633, was a member of the 
Church 1638. In 1640 he appears in Scituate, when he 

* John, sen. died intestate JGC4. Joseph, (eldest son) received the home- 
stead, allowing tiie income to liis mother Susanna for six years. Joseph 
died in Boston 1G66, and having no children, left most of liis estate to hit 
brother John, then aged 18, under guardianship of Edward Jenkins. Colony 
Records. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 381 

possessed a farm of 108 acres, near the mouth of the North 
river, on the Marshfield side. This he sold to Thomas Hickes 
1649. In 1646, he became one of the Conihasset partners 
in Scituate. In 1654, he removed to Lancaster, and he may- 
have purchased lands there a year or two earlier. His last 
sale of lands in Scituate was in 1654, when he conveyed a half 
share in the Conihasset lands to John Williams, jr. the other 
half he gave to his son Robert. He died at Lancaster, Sept. 
24, 1662. He wrote his name in 1646, Whetcumbe. 

There is no record of the birth of his children : most of 
them must have been born in England. From incidental re- 
cords we find that they were Katharine, John, Robert, James 
and Job. Katharine married Rhodolphus EUmes of Scituate, 
in 1644, and has a numerous posterity. 

John removed to Lancaster, with his father, in 1654, and 
has posterity in that vicinity. Col. Asa Whitcomb of Sterling, 
a Revolutionary officer, was a descendant. 

Robert remained at Scituate. He was the first of the family 
that settled in " the beaches" or beach woods, where several gen- 
erations of his posterity have resided. He married Mary, the 
daughter of Gen. James Cudworth 1660. There is no record 
of his children ; but we observe in Gen. Cudworth's will, that 
legacies are given " to grand children Israel, Robert, James, 
and Mary Wliitcomb." There was another daughter, born 
probably after Gen. Cudworth's decease, viz. Elizabeth, wife 
of Daniel Lincoln of Hingham 1710. 

Israel succeeded to the residence of his father Robert, sen. 
and left children, Israel born 1700, Mary 1703, Hannah 1706, 
Elizabeth 1709, John 1711, Noah 1714. Of these, Israel re- 
moved to Cohasset, where he left sons, Israel, Job, Joseph 
and Lot. 

Israel, jr. left sons Jacob, of Springfield, Ver. Zadock of 
North Yarmouth, Samuel of Boston (whose son Samuel is a 
clerk in the Custom House) and Ezekiel died early. 

Mary, daughter of Israel, sen. was wife of Aaron Pratt, and 
Hannah, wife of Jonathan Pratt, of Cohasset, brothers of Chief 
Justice Benjamin Pratt of New York. John (son of Israel, sen.) 
married Sarah Tower of Hingham 1734, succeeded to his fa- 
ther's residence in " the beaches," and left children, John born 

1735, Elizabeth 1737, (wife of Lincoln) Reuben 1740, 

who died single, Sarah 1744, (wife of Daniel Litchfield) Thank- 
ful 1746, wife of Elijah Stodder, Mary 1752, wife of John 
Ellmes, and Simeon 1762, who left no family. Of these, John, 
jr. married Hannah Nash 1758, and left children, John 1769, 



382 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

William 1763, Charles 1766, Samuel 1769, Joseph, Noah, 
Mercy and Hannah. These are all living in Scituale. 

JVoah, youngest son of Israel, sen. married Mary Franklin 
1742 : his daughter Mary born 1744, Thankful 1746 : he then 
removed to Randolph, where he had sons born, from whom 
many respectable families have descended. 

James, son of Robert, sen. married Mary Parker 1694, and 
had children, James born 1695, died early, Nathaniel and 
James twins, " the one born August 19th. 1697, and the other 
August 21st." Mary and Joanna, twins, born 1699. We can 
give no further account of this family. 

Robert, jr. had three daughters born in Scituate, Content 
1695, Melea 1699, and Elizabeth 1700. 

James, (youngest son of John, sen.) we suppose to have been 
the James Whitcomb who settled in Boston as early as 1665, 
and who is so respectfully mentioned in Mrs. Rovvlandson's 
Narrative. He owned lands where the Tremont House now 
stands. The name of his wife was Rebecca, and he had sons, 
James born 1662, Peter 1664, and others. 

RESOLVED WHITE, 

son of William White, came to Plymouth in the Mayflower, 
with the first company of Pilgrims 1620. He had lands laid 
out in Scituate 1638, at the place afterward sold to Lieut. 
Isaac Buck, a half mile south of the Harbour, (see Buck). In 
1640 he had a grant, by order of the Colony Court, of 100 
acres, upland and marsh, on Belle house neck, adjoining Mr. 
Vassall's farm on the south-east. He had also other lands ad- 
joining by deed of gift from Mr. Vassall 1646. In 1662 he 
sold his house to Isaac Buck, and removed to Marshfield. He 
seems to have had two houses, the one near Buck's corner, 
and the other at Belle house neck. In Marshfield he settled 
near his brother Peregrine on the South river. He married 
Judith the eldest daughter of Mr. William Vassall, 1640. His 
children were, William born 1642, John 1644, Samuel 1646,, 
Resolved 1648, Anna 1649, EHzabeth 1652, Josiah 1654, 
Susanna 1656. None of these children settled in Scituate : 
their posterity is found in Bristol County as well as Plymouth. 
Some of them may have removed to Barbadoes. 

GOWIN WHITE, (Planter) 

was one of the Conihasset partners in 1646. In 1650 he pur- 
chased a considerable farm of WiUiam Richards, who removed 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



383 



to Weymouth : it was on the south of Till's or Dwelley's creek, 
and now the Ruggles farm. There is no record of the family 
of Gowln White, but we find Joseph and Timothy to be his 
sons and heirs : also Sarah, who may have been his daughter, 
married John Bailey 1672. 

Joseph married Mary, daughter of John Rogers 1G60. bhe 
died 1677. Also his wife Susanna died 1098, and he married 
Elizabeth Vinal 1699. He had several children, viz. Sarah, 
who married Thomas Young 1688, Mary born 1671, Joseph 
born 1674, (who married Oseeth Turner 1696. Joseph, jr. 
died 1715, and Joseph, sen. 1711. 

Timothy, (son of Gowin) married Abigail, daughter of John 
Rogers 1678, he settled on his father's Conlhasset farm, a half 
mile west of the Harbour, and near his brother Joseph. His 
children were, Timothy born 1679, Abigail 1682, Sarah 1685, 
(wife of Joseph Tilden 1710.) Elizabeth 1688, (wife ot James 
Cudworth 1712.) 

Timothy, jr. married Rebecca Simons 1707, and succeed- 
ed to the paternal farm. His children, Timothy born 1708, 
Elizabeth 1710, Abigail 1712, Mary 1714, Rebecca 1717, 
Desire 1719. 

Timothy (3d. generation) married Sarah Clap 1732, and 
succeeded his father in his residence. He had one son 
Timothy. 

Timothy (4th. generation) married Catharine Ellmes 1763, 
and Temperance'Bryant. He deceased 1825, and has left 
several sons, of whom Timothy, we believe, occupies the pater- 
nal farm, which has been cultivated by six generations. 

We will add that Gowin White resided on this place in 1646. 
He married Elizabeth Ward of Plymouth 1638. 

JOHN WEYBORN, (or Wiborn) 

and Thomas Weyborn, sons of Thomas Weyborn, some time of 
Plymouth and afterward of Boston, were in Scituate 1660. 
Thomas was freeman that year. In 1680 he was in Boston, 
when we observe he entered " a protest against the unlawful 
chartering of a barque for a West India voyage by Samuel 
Clap, Thomas King and Theophilus Witherell of Scituate, in 
which barque Weyborn was partner." Colony Records. He 
married Abigail Elliot of Boston 1657. 

John became possessed of a half share of Conihasset land 
in the right of Richard Sealis, probably by purchase. He had 



384 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

children, Abigail born 1658, Thomas 1663, Joseph 1664, 
(these born in Boston) and John 1670, born in Scituate. 

Jo/m, jr. married Esther Ripple of Boston 1694. His chil- 
dren, born in Scituate, Elizabeth 1694, John 1696. In 1697 
he was in Norwich, Connecticut; when he signs a deed of gift 
in company with Thomas Jenkins, who seems to be his brotlier 
in law, of the house and land which he had left in Scituate, to 
Joanna Cohnan ; this house and land was sold by Joanna Col- 
man, widow, to Experience Daman 1700. There was a con- 
siderable removal from Scituate to Norwich about this time. 
There is a land mark in Norwich called the Scituate line, to 
this day, which doubtless marked the purchase of Wiborn, 
Isaac Woodworth, the Colmans, and others from Scituate. 

Thomas Weyborn, sen. died in Boston 1656. His will gives 
" To sons Thomas and James, &lc. to wife Elizabeth one half 
the windmill in Boston, and 40s. per annum. To son John 
40£ at 21, to daughter Elizabeth Merritt 5£, to daughter 
Mary 20£ at 16, and to board at expence of Thomas and 
James Executors." 

WILLIAM WILLS 

was a freeman in Scituate in 1639. This name has been'^mis- 
taken for Willis. In ] 639 he purchased " Tongue Island" 
and adjacent marsh, of John Cooper, who removed to Barn- 
stable. On this island. Wills erected his house. It is a marsh 
island, or island in the marsh, below Little's bridge, and now 
bears the name of Wills's Island. He deceased in 1688, at 
the age of 90. His will dated 1683, gives "to son Samuel 
all my estate, he to maintain his mother Lucy during life." 
Lucy, the widow, deceased 1697. 

There are but two children of William Wills of whom we 
have found any traces. Samuel born 1640, (Colony Records) 
and Lydia, baptized 1645 : she became the wife of Dea. James 
Torrey 1666. 

Samuel left no son that we have discovered. His daughter 
Lydia born 1676, married William CHft of Marshfield 1691. 
The name of Wills Clift is now extant in that town. 

In 1670 there was a Rowland Wills in Scituate, and men- 
tioned in the Colony Records, as " brought into the Colony by 
John Williams, many years since." The Court ordered him 
" to send for his wife : if she come he may still abide ; other- 
wise he must leave the Colony." 

There was also a Thomas Wills, freeman, in Mass. 1636. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 385 



JOHN WILLIAMS 

came, we believe, with Mr. Hatherly from London 1632, and 
took up a farm on the north side of Scituate Harbour, very 
early. In 1646 he was one of the Conihasset partners, when 
his farm was included in Mr. Hatherly's 400 acres, which he 
accepted as his quarter of the purchase. The house which 
was erected by John Williams as early as 1634, has been built 
upon since, and if tradition be true, there is one part of the 
original building preserved. The massive beams, the wooden 
walls, interlined with brick, and the port holes, witness that it 
was a garrison house, as we know from records that it was. It 
is the oldest house in Scituate, if this be the original house. 
The Stockbridge house was built 20 years later. We think 
there are few if any older houses in New England than these. 

The wife of John Williams was Ann. His children were 
John, Ann, Edward and Mary. Mary married Anthony Dod- 
son of Scituate 1651 (see Dodson). Ann, the oldest of the 
family, married John Barker of Duxbury 1632. Edward was 
a householder in 1647. His house was on Kent street, at the 
corner where the cart way turns toward the 3d. Cliff. He 
deceased 1671, leaving no family; John his brother admin- 
istered. 

Capt. John was a householder in 1647, and bore arms 1643. 
He succeeded his father in his residence. He was a man of 
energy and activity, both in civil affairs and in war. He was 
commander of a company in Philip's war, and constantly on 
duty from March to the Autumn in 1676. He commanded 
the right wing of the ambuscade at the time when Philip fell. 
He lived to a good old age, and deceased in Scituate 1694, 
leaving no family, and making his sister's son, Williams Barker, 
his principal legatee. We know not that he was married. 
There was a John Williams, who was divorced from Elizabeth, 
daughter of Barnabas Lothrop of Barnstable, and afterward 
divorced from a wife Sarah. These divorces took place in 
1666 and 1673, but this person being called in the Colony 
Records John Williams of Barnstable, we presume it was not 
our Capt. John. The will of Capt. Williams is dated at Scitu- 
ate 1691. He died June 22, 1694, and gives 

" To Nephew Williams Barker, son of John Barker, of 

Marshfield, the 200 acre farm formerly purchased of Mr. 

Hatherly, also legacies to nephews John Barker of Marshfield, 

and Abraham Blush of Boston. To my friend, Samuel Fuller 

49 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 

of Rehoboth. To nephew Jonathan Dodson of Scituate. To 
ray ancient servant (tenant) John Bailey, the farm on which he 
hves at the Neck in Scituate. To sister Mary Dodson, and 
to her daughters, Margaret Dodson, Mary Booth, Patience 
Pierce, Bethia Dodson and Eunice Dodson. To brother in 
law John Barker. Item, to my two boys, George and Thomas, 
whom I obtained, " with my sword and my bow," on condition 
that they take my name of Williams, lands at Showamett. 
(Note — these were Indians without doubt). To my servant 
Thomas Bailey — to my servant Wills, (Rowland Wills). To 
Daniel Hickes, (and to fourteen others named) each 5£ (or 
upwards)." 

We believe few men had such estates to divide at that 
period. The farm on which he lived is perhaps the most pro- 
ductive of any in the Old Colony. We notice in the Town 
Records Anno 1679, that Capt. John Williams entered with the 
Town Clerk, the marks and brands of forty horse kind of his 
own : they were entered, according to custom, in order to re- 
claim them if they should stray, (Vol. 5.) 



Capt. WILLIAM WILLSON 

married Hannah Bourn of Marshfield 1741. His children 
were William born 1742, (died early) Hannah born 1741, 
Abigail 1747 ; the latter is now Hving and single. Hannah 
was the wife of George Cole of Swansey 1765, afterward the 
wife of Ebenezer Rogers of Marshfield, and again the wife of 
Caleb Torrey of Scituate. She deceased 1825. Capt. Will- 
son's place of residence, was at Willson hill, now called, lately 
the residence of Henry Sheafe, Esq. of Boston, and now of 
Thomas Perkins, a native of Plympton. The writer of this 
history feels it but just to acknowledge some obligation to 
Abigail, above named, for traditions relating to the genealogies 
of Scituate famihes. 



JOHN WINTER 

was in Scituate 1638. He had lands near Stoney brook cove 
and the stoney brook. His house was where John Briggs lived 
many years subsequently, and where Charles Ford now lives. 
In 1651, " John Winter was found dead, and Walter Baker was 
arrested on suspicion of murdering him," (cleared) Colony 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 387 

Records. His widow married James Turner, probably of 
Hingham. John, jr. was living 1663, when he had grants of 
land on the north of his house lot. Obadiah, another son prob- 
ably, had grants in 1673. Catharine, a daughter of John, 
sen. was an unfortunate woman and received assistance from 
the Town several years subsequent to 1653. 



CHRISTOPHER WINTER 



was probably a brother of John, sen. He was of Plymouth 
1639, when he was "fined 10s. for publishing himself in mar- 
riage with Jane Cooper (daughter of John, probably) contrary 
to order and custom of this government," Colony Records. 

He had lands in Scituate in 1657, and in 1660 he is called 
of Jones' river, now Kingston. His datigliter Martha married 
John Hewett 1668, of Marshfield, and Mary married John 
Reed the same year. 



WILLIAM WILCOME 

had land in Scituate 1673. He was one of the heroes who 
fell with Capt. Pierce 1676. He left no family on record. 



PHILIP WILLCUT 

married Deborah Gannet 1711. His son Jesse married Lois 
Studley 1750. There may be descendants in Cohasset. 

GEORGE WILLARD 

look the oath of fidelity in Scituate 1638. Few traces of him 
appear in our Records. He was here 1641, when " George 
Willard of Scituate was bound over for defamation, viz. for 
saying that they were fools and gulls for paying the rate (pro- 
bably the rate for religious uses) that the churches here and in 
the Bay, held forth a devilish practice in that they did not bap- 
tize infants, and for contumeliously asking the Assistants why 
they did not take the oath of supremacy," (released). He 
appears first in Mass. Colony, and probably came to Scituate 
to shelter himself under the liberal influence of Mr. Vassall, as 



368 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 



he settled near him. In 1G44 he found himself accommodated 
(as to his notions of baptism) in Scituate, South Parish. His 
children, Deborah and Daniel, were baptized by Mr. Witherell 
1645. Soon after he disappears: probably he went to Geor- 
giana with Prebble and Twisden, who were of the liberal class 
of Puritans, if not Episcopalians. 



OLIVER WINSLOW 

settled in Scituate about 1730; and we exhibit his connexion 
with the distinguished families of Winslow, in the following im- 
perfect notes. 

There were five brothers who came early to this country, 
viz. Edward and Gilbert, in the Mayflower 1G20, John in the 
Fortune 1G21, and Kenelm and Josiah before 1633. The 
residence of this family had been in Worcestershire, Eng. 

Edward, the eldest, was born 1594, and was married before 
he left England. His wife, Elizabeth, deceased at Plymouth 
in the first fatal winter after their arrival, March 24, 1621, and 
he married Susanna, (widow of William White,) who had lost 
her husband nearly at the same time. This first marriage in 
the Colony, was solemnized in May 1622. Edward Winslow 
was an Assistant in the Col. Government several years. Gov- 
ernor in 1633-36 and 1644, and a Commissioner of the United 
Colonies 1655, in which year he died. His residence was at 
Marshfield, at his seat called Caresrull. His son Edward 
came with him from England. He had a daughter Susanna and 
probably others. His son Josiah was born at Marshfield 1629. 
He was also many years an Assistant in the Government, an in- 
trepid commander in Pbilip's war, and Governor (the first who 
was born in the country) from 1673 to his death. His wife 
was Penelope Pelham, daughter of Herbert Pelham. She 
died 1703 aged 73 : and Governor Josiah Winslow died Dec. 
18, 1680, and was buried Dec. 23, (Marshfield Records.) 

Some of his children, we have discovered to have been 
brought to Scituate 2d. church for baptism, viz. Elizabeth 1664, 
Edward 1667, died early, Isaac 1676. 

The latter was a Counsellor after the union of Plymouth 
and Massachusetts Colonies. He died 1738, aged 62. His 
son Gen. John, was the enterprising officer so well known in our 
Colonial annals as Capt. in the expedition against Cuba 1740, 
Colonel at the extraordinary capture of Louisburg 1744, and 
afterward as Maj. General in the British service. His son, Dr. 



FAMILY SKETCHES 389 

Isaac, a gentleman of distinguished accomplishments, succeeded 
to the family residence : His only son John, Esq. Counsellor 
at law, deceased at Natchez 1822. We believe, he has a son 
surviving. 

Gilbert, who came with his brother Edward in 1620, settled, 
as we are informed, at Portsmouth. 

John (another brother) was a merchant in Boston, after hav- 
ing resided a few years at Plymouth. He married Mary Chil- 
ton, the adventurous maiden, who disputed with John Alden 
the honour of having leaped first upon the Plymouth rock. We 
have few notes of the genealogy of his family. He had a son 
John, whose son John was born 1665. Isaac, Esq. now of 
Boston, is a descendant. 

John, sen. deceased 1673, naming in his Will, " My wife, 
my son John, William Payne, son of my daughter, Sarah Mid- 
dlecot, Parnell Winslovv, daughter of my son Isaac, Susan, 
daughter of my daughter Latham, son Benjamin, son Edward, 
Edward Gray's children, by my daughter Mary Gray, my son 
Joseph Winslow's two children, my grandchild Mary Harris, 
my kinsman, Josiah Winslow, Governor of New Plymouth 20£ 
in goods, my brother Josiah's son 20£ in goods, my kinswo- 
man Eleanor Baker, daughter of my brother Kenelm Winslow 
5£." We have seen in the Boston Records 1660, " Myles 
Standish married to Sarah Winslow," she was probably another 
daughter of Kenelm. 

Kenelm was in Plymouth before 1633. He married Helen, 
the daughter of John Adams of Plymouth 1634. He had lands 
in Yarmouth in 1640 : and he deceased at Salem, and was 
buried Sept. 13, 1672, (Marshfield Records). He had sons 
Kenelm and Nathaniel, and perhaps others. 

Kenelm, jr. was resident in Yarmouth 1668, from whence he 
brought to the 2d. church in Scituate for baptism, Kenelm 
1668, Josiah 1670, Thomas 1672. It is well known that 
many of the ministers in the Colony were opposed to infant 
sprinkling at that time. (See our Chapter on Ecclesiastical 
History.) 

Nathaniel resided in Marshfield, married Faith Miller 1664, 
and had children. Faith 1665, Nathaniel 1667, James 1669, 
Eleanor, the wife of John James 1667, Gilbert 1673, Kenelm 
1675, Josiah 1683. Of these, Kenelm had a son Nathaniel 
born 1709. Gilbert married Mary Snow, and had sons Issa- 
char, Barnabas, Gilbert, Anthony born from 1699 to 1707. 

Nathaniel, jr. resided in Marshfield ; he married Lydia Snow 
(sister of his brother's wife, and daughter of Anthony Snow) 



390 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

1692. His children were Lydia 1693, Thankful 1G95, Snow 
1698, Oliver 1702, (at the head of this article) Deborah 1708, 
Patience 1710, Nathaniel 1712, and by a 2d wife, Deborah 
Bryant of Scituate, married 1716, Ruth born 1718. Of these, 
Ohver married Agatha, daughter of John Bryant 3d. of Scitu- 
ate, and succeeded to the residence of John Bryant, near the 
Cornet's old mill dam, on the 3d. Herring brook. He had a 
sou Oliver, who was killed in the French war in 1758, at the 
age of 20, a son John, who removed to Nobleboro', Maine, 
and Maj. Nathaniel, a man who inherited the bold spirit of his 
distinguished ancestors. He was a firm patriot in 1776, enter- 
ed the army, rose to the rank of Major, and acquitted himself 
with honor in the southern expeditions. He succeeded to his 
father's residence. He married Sarah, the daughter of Mr. 
Isaac Hatch of Pembroke 1766. His children, Nathaniel born 
1767, and died 1830, leaving a family, Sarah born 1769, wife 
of Thomas Waterman, and now the widoAV of Ebenezer Cope- 
land; Walter 1772, died early, Josiah 1774, died early, Anna 
1776, wife of Dea. Wilham Putnam Ripley of Plymouth 1810, 
Judith born 1780, the widow of Elisha Tolman : Lydia 1786, 
wife of Dr. Anthony Collamore of Pembroke, William born 
1788, who succeeded to the paternal residence. 

Oliver Winslow, a Revolutionary soldier, now living, was the 
son of Oliver, sen. by a 2d. wife, Bethia Pryor of Hanover, 
married 1749. He has a son Oliver. There was a son Joseph 
(of Oliver, sen. born 1753, and died early.) 

Josiah, the youngest brother of Gov. Edward, was born in 
England 1605, resided in Scituate in 1637, when he was 
chosen an extra Assistant, "to consider and advise how the 
beaver trade may be upholden," Colony Records. He was 
afterward of Marshfield. He left a family ; but we have met 
few notes worthy of insertion. His daughter Elizabeth was 
born 1637, Jonathan 1638, Mary 1640, Rebecca 1642, Susan- 
na 1644. Jonathan had a son John born 1664. 

There was a Samuel Winslow of Rochester, (probably son 
of Josiah, but of this we are not certain) : He had sons Samuel 
and Richard baptized in Scituate 2d. church 1679. Samuel 
married Bathsheba Holbrook of Scituate 1700. Nathaniel 
Winslow (called of Freetown) married Elizabeth Holbrook of 
Scituate 1701. He may have been another son of Samuel. 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 391 



JOHN WOODFIELD 



was one of the Conihasset partners in 1646, and seems lo have 
taken up lands, (probably without license as had others) before 
that time. His house lot was near Thomas Ensign's on the 
north. WilHam James was his successor (probably by pur- 
chase) in Conihasset lands. In 1649 he sold marsh land and 
upland near " Lombard's rock," at the Great neck, in 1649, 
to John Williams, sen. Capt. Stephen Otis succeeded to a 
part of his Conihasset lands, by purchase of James. John 
Woodfield was one of " the agitators" in a Conference held 
between the two churches in Scituate, for the purpose of at- 
tempting a reconciliation in 1049. He deceased in 1669, giv- 
ing in his will, his " whole estate to wife Hester." Hester, the 
widow, left a legacy in 1672, to Henry Ewell's daughter, (see 
Ewell.) 

WALTER WOODWORTH 

was freeman in Scituate 1640, and settled amongst the men 
of Kent, 3d. lot on Kent street, south side of Meeting-bouse lane 
in 1635. He had other lands in 1635, viz. on the first Her- 
ring brook 30 rods below Stockbridge's mill : and on the north- 
west side of Walnut tree hill. He left no record of the births 
of his children ; from incidental records we find Benjamin, 
Walter, Thomas, Joseph, Mary, wife of Aaron Simons 1677, 
Martha, the wife of Lieut. Zachary Daman 1679, Mehetabel, 
who was unfortunate in regard to her health, (see witchcraft.) 
Benjamin was a soldier in Phihp's war, and lost his life. 
Lands were assigned for his services, to Charles Stockbridge, 
for the use of Benjamin Woodworth's family 1676. He had 
daughters, Elizabeth, Deborah and Abigail, (wife of John Jack- 
son of Plymouth 1695) and a son Robert, who settled in the 
west part of the Town, east of Symon's hill, where Dimmick 
Bowker now resides. His children were Ruth, born 1685, 
James 1689, Benjamin 1690, Elizabeth 1692, Joanna 1694, 
Robert 1697, Mary 1699, Deborah 1701, Ann 1704, Lydia 
1706, James 1709. Of these, Benjamin married Mary Right 
1712. Children, Benjamin 1713, and by a 2d. wife, Ann 
Torrey, Benjamin 1717, Joseph 1720, Anna 1723. Robert, 
jr. married Deborah Sylvester 1719. James, the youngest son 
of Robert, sen. married Sarah Soper 1731. Children, James 
1731, Lydia 1734, (died single 1815) Sarah 1736, Bethia 



392 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

1737, Joseph 1744, Sarah 1746, (the wife of Shearjashub 
Bourn) Mary 1742. James (son of James) married Mary 
Vinal 1749, and had sons Samuel 1750, James 1752, William 
1754, Elisha 1756, Benjamin 1758. 

Walter (son of Walter, sen.) left children, Mary born 1658, 
Mehetabel 1662, Ebenezer 1664. 

Thomas (son of Walter, sen.) married Deborah Daman 
1666, and had children, Deborah 1667, Hezekiah 1671, 
Katharine 1673. Thomas had lands in Little Compton 1674, 
but he did not remove. He kept " a trader's shop" 60 rods 
south of Stockbridge's mill. Hezekiah, his son, married Han- 
nah Clap 1697, and removed, probably to Little Compton: 
and his son Ezekiel, of Lebanon, Connecticut, married Lydia 
Simons of Scituate 1723. 

Joseph (son of Walter, sen.) married Sarah, daughter of 
Charles Stockbridge 1669. Children, Joseph 1670, Mary 
1673, Benjamin 1676, Sarah 1678, EHzabeth 1680, Eunice 

1682, Abigail 1685, (wife of Thomas Merritt 1711) Ruth 
1688, (wife of Benjamin Sylvester, jr. 1718.) This family 
had lands also in Little Compton, and some of them may have 
removed thither. 

Samuel Woodworth the well known Editor and Poet at 
New York, was son of Benjamin, whom we have named above 
as son of James and Mary Vinal. Benjamin has lately de- 
ceased, at the ancient Northy place, a half mile south of Stock- 
bridge's mill. He had married the widow of Capt. Northy 
for a 2d. wife. 

PETER WORTHLIKE, 

a rare name, was in Scituate before 1670, and had a house 
and land, near to Granger's and Whiston's lots south of Meet- 
ing-house lane. He had daughters Hannah and Alice 1676, 
Mary 1678, Sarah 1682. He sold his estate to Timothy White 

1683. He was an unfortunate man, affected with a disease of 
the eyes, of what nature, does not appear. Li 1679 he was 
" fined by the Court for tavern haunting," perhaps, as the 
facetious Butler observes, he 

" Drank wine by quarts to mend his sight." 

But if so, the experiment was not successful, for in March 1684, 
" The Town made choice of Capt. John Williams and Lieut. 
Isaac Buck, to be their agents, to bargain with the Doctor, in 
reference to the curing of Peter Worthlike's sight, the Town 
to defray the charge thereof." 



FAMILY SKETCHES. 393 



THOMAS WRIGHT, or Right, 

probably a grandson of William Wright, (who came to Plym- 
outh in the Fortune 1621,) was in Scituate in the south part 
of the Town 1682. His children were Elizabeth born 1683, 
Jane 1685, John 1688, Martha 1690_, (wife of John Ford 
1713) Mary 1691, (wife of Benjamin Woodworth 1712.) 
Thomas Wright deceased 1691, and his widow, Elizabeth, 
married John Sanders, and left one son Edw^ard Sanders, who 
went to Duxbury. 

John, the only son of Thomas Wright, married Lydia Tay- 
lor 1709, and had children, Mary 1713, and John 1716, which 
latter had a son John born 1745, who married Mary Wood- 
worth 1769, and whose children were James born 1769, John 
1772, Mary 1780. James married Lucy, daughter of Abijah 
Brown, had daughters Mercy, Eleanor and Mary, and died 
early. His widow married Thomas Ruggles 1813. 

There was an Edward Wright, who married Lydia Che 
widow of Nathaniel Rawlins 1664, and whose children were 
Mercy born 1666, Hannah 1668, Grace 1669, David 1670, 
Edward 1671, Joseph 1673. This family removed early. 

Jesse Wright, a descendant probably of Thomas, and son of 
John 2d. lived in Scituate, and left sons Thomas, of Scituate, 
James of South Boston, and Haiinah, the wife of Timothy 
Robbins of Hanover. 



GEORGE YOUNG 

came into Scituate from Plymouth (probably) in 1660. He 
had a brother John of Plymouth born 1 647, son of John. 

George married Hannah, the daughter of Thomas Pincin, 
sen. 1661, and settled east of Colman's hills on the margin of 
New Harbour marshes, where his descendants have lived until 
a late date. His children were Thonuis, born 1663, Hannah 
1666, Margery 1669, Elizabeth 167 J, Patience 1673. 

Thomas, married Sarah White, (a grand daughter of Peri- 
grine) 1688. His children, George born 1689, Joseph 1692, 
(died early) Sarah 1695, Thomas 1698, (died early) Thomas 
1700, Joseph 1701, Ebenezer 1703, Joshua 1704, Isaac 1706. 

George, jr. married Margaret Frank 1716, and Mary Stock- 
bridge 1722. His children, Isaac 1722, James 1724, Mary 
1725, Deborah 1727, Reuben 1729, Job 1731, Priscilla 1732, 
50 



394 FAMILY SKETCHES. 

Lusanna 1734, Lillis 1736, Sylvanus 1739, Lucy 1741, 
Jane 1742. 

. Thomas, (son of Thomas) married Mary House 1750, and 
Jael Whiting 1756, and widow Hannah Barker 1760. His 
children, Sarah born September 2d, 1757, now living single. 
Thomas born 1758, who removed to Ashford. 

Joseph (son of Thomas) married Lydia, daughter of William 
Barrel, jr. 1728. His children, Ruth born 1729, Ezekiel 
1731, Sarah 1733. 

Joshua (son of Thomas) married Elizabeth Cudworth 1732, 
and had children, Hannah born 1732, Joshua 1742, and per- 
haps others. He had a 2d. wife, Lydia Barnard of Boston 
1751. 

Kzekiel (son of Joseph) married Lusanna White 1755. His 
children, Joseph 1755, Lydia 1758, Gideon 1761, Christo- 
pher 1764, Stephen 1769, Ebenezer 1772, Joanna 1776, 
Wilham 1779. 

Joshua (son of Joshua) married Celia Little of Marshfield 
1772, and had children, Elicia Baker 1772, Elizabeth Cud- 
worth 1775, Celia 1777, Betsey 1780, Emily 1795, Pea- 
body 1798. 

Joseph (son of Ezekiel) married Desire Nash 1779, and had 
chddren, Ezekiel born 1779, Joseph 1786, Benjamin 1787. 

Gideon (son of Ezekiel) married Lydia of Carolina, 

and Betsey Man of Scituate 1795. His children, Lydia born 
1791, Gideon W. Esq. Post Master of Scituate harbour, and 
others. 

Job (son of George, jr.) was of Hanover, and the father of 
John Young, of Turner, Maine. 

James (son of George, jr.) married Mehetabel Hatch 1753, 
and was the father of Mehetabel the wife of late Samuel Curtis 
of Scituate, at the North River. 

There was a Robert Young of Hanover, who married Mar- 
garet Murfy 1732-3.* This family may be in Bridgewater. 
A Thomas Young married Hannah Barker, of Scituate 1760 : 
and Joseph Young of Truro, married Anna Oldham of " the 
Two Mile" 1718. 

* See Appendix VI, on Double Dating. 



APPENDIX. 



I. 

See Page 192. 



Upon the much to be lamented DEATH of the thrice three 
times Honoured JOSIAH WINSLOW, Esq. late GOVERN- 
OUR, of New Plymouth and CARLO charus, beloved of his 
Prince.* 

Within this Sacred Urn doth lie, 

The Quintesence of the Colonic ; 

New England's Phoenix, Plymouth's glory, 

Meet subject for a compleat story : 

To whom at helm, we yield the praise 

Of blissful times, of peacefull dayes ; 

The Halcyon which controul'd our seas 

Of civil storms, and broiles appease. 

Would you have me, him to descrie, 

Angels must limn him out, not I ; 

A Sophoclean quill comes short. 

His worth and merits to report: 

Where Wisdom, Valour, Eloquence, 

Were center'd in great Eminence ; 

Faith, Justice, Patience, every grace 

In this frayl clay tent had their place. 

For kind behaviour lov'd by all 

That knew him, eke both great and small ; 

Grave, Prudent, Sober and Discreet; 

His whole deportment comlie sweet. 

Sound in the faith, a life untaint, 

So liv'd, so dy'd this noble Saint — 

Methinks it cuts me to the heart, 

Of such rare gemms to be desert. 

He was a walking Christian bright, 

Whose life and conversation right, 

Adorn'd Christ's Gospel: some men talk 

Like Angels — yet like divells walk. 

He was not of a Cynick strain, 

But cheerful Patriot, dy'd in grain : 



* Gov. Winslow deceased Dec. 18, 1680, aged 51. 



396 APPENDIX. 

To stra.ngers and to neio-hbonrs all, 

He was a Turtle without gall. 

Compassion lodg'd within his breast; 

To poore ope' were lieart hand and chest. 

Hard heartedness and cruelty 

Seemed like vile Nero in his eye. 

By th' acre he did not survey, ' '■■ 

Nor by the pound did any weigh ; 

According to desert and merit, 

They should his smile or frov.n inherit. 

Religion e'er to keep he strove, 

(False worship loves the darkest grove) 

And civil Justice to dispense 

According unto evidence. 

On these two pillars founded are. 

The firmest States for Peace or War: 

Christ was his all, him might he gain, 

Far wealthier he than eitlier Spain. 
But why do I burn Tapers in the Sun, 
Or midst great Cannons, let fly my pot-gun : 
His worth transcends the weakness of my quill, 
As lofty mounts o'ertop the pismire hill. 

The goodliest Cedar which this land e'er l)ore 

Is hewn flat down and level'd with the shore : 

Under whose shade and boughs we shelter'd were, 

'Gainst storms of outrage, wrongs, oppression, feare. 

Blest with good Government, thrice happy we 

Had we had eyes our happiness to see. 

The sweetest Rose that e'er in Plymouth grew 

Frost nips — dried up — like to the morning dew. 

Yet leaving a sweet scent, mongst great and small, 

Perfum'd his name from Carswell* to White-Hall ; 

Whereby great CHARLES enamored of his worth, 

Lets the warm glances of his love shine forth 

Upon New Plymouth: grac'd with Royal favour, 

Let us be Loyal-bound, t'our good behaviour. 

Strong were my feares, lest this strange blazing stream,! 

Would be prognostick of some tragick theme ; 

Yet Avhat it doth portend I cannottell, 

But here I come to ring the funeral Knell 

Of a choice Worthy, and the peojde call 

To come and solemnize the FUNERAL, 

Of him, Avho late was foremost for his worth 

Close lock't in Prison, cannot now step forth. 

How many dangers hath this gentleman, 

In's life escaped, both by Sea and Land! 

Fort-fights,| Sholes, Quicksands, Quag-mires, Boggs and 

Sloughs, 
Enough to plunge an hundred strong team'd Ploughs : 

* Carswell or Carsrull was the nnme of Gov. Winslow's seat in Marshfield, so called 
from a Castle of his anceptors in England. 

t The Comet which, our venerable Autlior seems half inrlined to believe, was sent to 
foretell Gov. Winslow's death, was the great Comet of 1G80, whose train extended more 
than 60 degrees, that is, across more than one third of the hemisphere. It makes its revo- 
lution in 575 years. 

J " The Naraganset Fort fight" is meant. 



I 



APPENDIX. 397 

Yet he brake through; but now Ave see him have 

Mir'd and stuck fast in a dry upland grave. 

The Pitcher that went oft wliole to the well, 

Comes home at last, crack'd like a broken shell. 

Our Court of Justice sits in Widdowliood : 

The Judge arrested — Baile will do no good. 

Judges are stayes of States ; when such stayes fall, 

It bodes the weak'ning of the Judgment Hall. Isaiah iii. 2. 

Somewhat above thrice compleat seven years since, 

Plymouth hath lost blest Bradford, Winslow, Prince, 

Three skillful Pilots, through this Wilderness, 

To conduct Pilgrims ; all three called t' undress 

Upon the top of Pisgah ; while we here Deu. xxxiv. 4, 5, 6. 

Left Pilot-less, do Avithout Compass steer. 

Thrice honored Rulers, Elders, People all, 

Come and lament this stately Cedar's fall. 

Cut down at's height, full noontide, blest with shine 

Of Royal favour, and (no doubt) Divine ; 

Freighted Avith tunns of honor. Every man, 

At's "best estate is altogether vain. Psalm xxxix. 5. 

Ye birds of Musick, Lark, Thrush, Turtle, Quaile, 

Ye pretty humming birds, and Nightingale, 

Your doleful notes sigh over this sad hearse, 

Sighs more suit Fun'ralls than a golden verse. 

You that have skill in verse, let every Line 

You here present, first pickled be in brine. 

Had but the Muses heard thou hence wert gone, 

T'attend thy hearse, they had left Helicon. 

Thrice Royal CHARLES, were he in person here, 

Into thy Urn, Avould drop a sacred tear. 

Had I an hundred eyes like Argus, I 

Would Aveep them all purblind, or pump them dry. 

I'd rather drink the tears of my old, eyen 

For SAveet JOSIAH, than quaff muskadine. 

Old eyes can shed foAv tears ; but my old heart 
curae Morc ready is to break, than eyes to smart, 
loqmin- Slight griof have tears, in troops that ready stand 
gentcr' To sally forth and but expect command: 
stupent. But deep ingulphing sorroAv strikes men dumb, 
^^^^eneca. ^^ fj-Qsty Wiutcrs do their joints benumb. 

Methinks I see Cape Cod, Manamoit high land, 
Our Scituate Cliffs, and the Gurnet Aveeping stand, 
All clad in mourning sable ; brinish streames 
Venting, to float a gallant Ship to th' Thames. 
All creatures crowd to fetch so deep a groan, 
Able to break an heart of hardest stone. 
And all because their dear JOSIAH's gone. 

POSTCRIPT. 

I Avish that He, who thee succeedeth next, 
May, like to thee, keep close unto the Text, 
Sacred and Civil ; He shall have my vote, 
Wliile I am worth a Tester or Gray Groat, 
Moestus posuit 

WILLIAM WITHERELL 

OCTOGENARIUS. 



398 APPENDIX. 

For the preceding curious relick of antiquity, we are indebted to the 
politeness of Rev. Zephaniah Willis : a copy has been preserved by the 
respectable family of Seaver in Kingston, which family was connected 
with that of the Winslows. In order to judge of its merits, it is fair to 
compare it with the common verses of 1680 ; and it is but justice to con- 
sider that the Author was 80 years of age. There is another Elegy by 
the same Author, written two years previous, and preserved by the fam- 
ily of Moody in Newbury. " On the piously affected Matron, Mrs. 
Sarah Gushing, the mother of twelve living children, and one dead 
cliild." It is in a similar strain. The lady was Mrs. Sarah, the wife of 
John Gushing, Esq. the first of the name in Scituate. She was the 
daughter of Mr. Nicholas Jacob, an early settler in Hingham. She died, 
according to our Records, March 9th. 1678. 



By favour also of Rev. Z. Willis of Kingston we are able to insert the 
following Elegy by Rev. N. Pitcher. (See page 184) 

" Upon the sudden and surprising departure of Mrs. Han- 
nah Robinson, jEtatis 41, late Consort of the Rev. Mr. John 
Robinson, who whh her daughter Mrs. Mary Robinson, ^tatis 
16, perished in the Mighty Deeps, Sept. 22, 1722. 

Inspire my Muse ! Ye lofty Beams of Light, 

In tremblmg airs perfume the sable Night ; 

Tread soft, while we relate the Tragedy, 

Perform'd by Him who dwells and rules on High. 

Let thundering billows in due concert meet. 

And raging wmds and waves each other greet. 

And all th obsequious Elements combine. 

To pay Devotion to the Will Divine, 

Of Him, whose Infinite and matchless sway, 

The proudest of Greated Powers obey. 

Behold the ghastly visage of each face, 

Besmear'd with Griefs, deep mourning in each place ; 

Not one without a tear upon the Hearse 

Of the bright subjects of my Fainting verse. 

Rev. Sir, 
Can Heart conceive, or Tongue express your grief? 
Can any hand but Heaven's give relief? 
Who wounds and heals, who kills and keeps alive, 
And when depress'd, makes Grace to live and thrive. 
Behold bright Sovereignty in clear Displays 
Turning your Halcion into Gloomy days ; 
Your Nuptial Knot, the fatal Stroke unty'd. 
By Heaven's Decree, on the Atlantick wide ; 
The Noisy Waters, on the Seas that move, ) 

Which cannot quench the streams of Boundless love > 
Translated yours unto the Joys above, ) 



APPENDIX. 



399 



Transported far beyond all Fears and Harms, 

Guarded by Angels to their Saviour's Arms. 

You could not close your Vertuous J.ady s Lye ; 

You must not see your dearest Consort dye, 

Nor her expiring, gasping agonies, 

Nor listen to her fervent Farewell cries. 

Bright Hannah's prayers for you are swiftly gone ^ 

On Eagle's Wings, up to the Sapphire Throne, > 

And you are left to grieve and pray alone. ) 

One of the Gowned Tribe and Family, 

Of bright descent and Worthy Pedigree ; 

A charming daughter in our Israel, 

In vertuous acts and Deeds seen to excell : 

As Mother, Mistress, Neighbor, Wife, most rare ; 

Should I exceed, to say beyond compare ? 

Call her the Phoenix, yet you cannot lye, 

Whether it be in Prose or Poetry. 

For Meekness, Piety, and Patience; 

Rare Modesty, Unwearied Diligence ; 

For Gracious Temper, Prudent Conduct too. 

How few of the fair Sex could her out do .-' 

Beloved of all while living, and now dead. 

The female Hadadrimmon's* lost their head. 

Her precious Daughter bears her company, ) 

Taking her flight up to the Joys on High > 

To dwell and feast with her eternally. ) 

God's Will is done, 'Tis duty to resign 

Yourself and all unto the Will Divine : 

You often pray'd " God let thy Will be done ! 

Still do so, now your dearest Ones are gone. 

If your Great Sovereign takes but his own due, 

You are obliged to Him, not He to you. 

May God Almighty Sanctify this frown, 

To the bereaved Family and Town: 

May the tender brood, under your mateless wing, 

When Clouds are passed over, chirp and sing. 

May you Sir, fill the Consecrated Place, J 

With purest doctrines and displays of Grace, V 

Till you have run and finished your Race, ) 

That when your dust shall unto dust go down, 

You may receive the Bright and Massy Crown, 

And with your Dearest Ones enhappy'd be, 

In light above. Throughout Eternity. ^ 

The above will probably be thought to display much less learning 
and force of thought, than the foregoing Elegy of the Octogenarian 
Witherell: which has the advantage in the mock sublime, and which 
approximates nearest to the burlesque, we leave to the reader to judge. 

* Compare 2 Kings xxiii. 29. Lam. v. 16, and Zech. xii. U. 



400 APPENDIX. 



The Ministers of Duxbury Iiave been Rev. Ralph Partridge, who arri- 
ved at Boston from England, JNov. 17, 1G36, in company with the Rev. 
Nathaniel Rogers, having suffered extremely from stress of weather and 
shortness of provisions. (Winthrop Vol. I. 205.) He settled soon after 
at Duxbury, where he deceased 1658. One of his daughters married the 
celebrated Thomas Thacher noticed in this Avork. (See Chauncy.) The 
successor of Mr. P. was Rev. John Holmes, probably the son of John of 
Plymouth. He was a student at Cambridge, but took no degree. His 
ministry was short, he having deceased Dec. 24, 1(J75. He lett descend- 
ants, of whom, we are told, is the Hon. Abraham Holmes of Rochester. 
To Mr. Holmes succeeded Rev. Ichabod Wiswall. He was probably the 
son of Thomas Wiswall, of Dorchester. He also (Farmer) was a student 
at Harvard College, but took no degree. He wrote a Poem on the great 
Comet in 1(580, which was sent, by Rev. Zephaniah Willis, to the^His- 
torical Society many years since. He died July 10, 1700, leaving one 
son Ichabod, who deceased in Boston 1767, aged 84. To Mr. Wiswall 
succeeded Rev. John Robinson, Har. College 1695, and a native (Mr. 
Willis thinks) of Dorchester. He married Hannah, the daughter of Mr. 
Wiswall his predecessor. The Elegy of Mr. Pitcher above, relates to 
the unfortunate loss of Mrs Robinson and her daughter, on their passage 
from Duxbury to Boston, by the upsetting of the Coaster otf Nantaskett, 
in a sudden tempest. A young gentleman of Duxbury, Mr. Fish, a 
member of Harvard College, also perished. The remains of the daugliter 
were soon found and interred at Duxbury : those of the mother were 
found by the Natives at Race Point, Cape Cod, six weeks afterward. 
Her person was identified by papers preserved in her stays, and by a. 
gold necklace, which was concealed by the swelling of her neck, winch 
necklace is preserved by her descendants : a gold ring, which she wore 
on her finger was lost, plundered by the Natives probably, who had cut 
oif the swollen finger in order to obtain the ring. She was buried at the 
Cape ; a monument marks her grave, with an inscription by her husband, 
closing with this quotation from the Psalms " Thus He bringeth them to 
their desired Haven." Tradition speaks of Mr. Robinson as a man of 
extraordinary powers of mind and accomplishments of eloquence. He 
left the ministry before 1740, and removed to Lebanon, Con. the resi- 
dence of the first Gov. Trumbull, who had married one of Mr. Robinson's 
daughters. Two sons, John and Ichabod Robinson, lived in Connecti- 
cut, and two other daughters — and the fifth (Hannah,) married Nathan- 
iel Thomas, Esq. of Plymouth, whose only daughter Hannah was the 
wife of Col. John Thomas of Kingston, and the mother of the present 
Col. John Thomas, and of the wife of Rev. Mr. Willis. The next minis- 
ter of Duxbury was the Rev. Samuel Veazie, Har. College 1736, (a de- 
scendant, we believe, of Robert, an early settler in Braintree.) To him 
succeeded the Rev. Charles Turner, of Scituate, Hai-. College 1752. He 
married the daughter of Rev. Mr. Rand of Kingston ; ho retired after 20 
year's service, and was well known in public life, as Senator of Mass. 
He died at Turner, in Maine, about 181.3. Rev. Zcdekiah Sanger, D. D. 
was his successor, Har. College 1771, who afterward was Minister of 
South Bridgewater, where he died about 1818. To him succeeded Rev. 
John Allyn, D. D. of Barnstable ; Har. Col. 1785. He retired in 1826, 
and was succeeded by Rev. Benjamin Kent, Har. Col. 1820, a native of 
Charlestown. 



APPENDIX. 401 

II. 

See Pa(?e 128. ' 

While our Avork was in the press, Ave were fortunate enough to recover 
the original return of the losses of Scituate, in the eventful year of 1676, 
made by a Committee of the Town to the Governor, and alluded to 
page 128. This was found amongst the Winslow Papers, and very 
obligingly furnished to us by the Hon. John Davis. 

" To the Honered Governor Josiah Winslow, att his house in Marsh- 
field ; Tliis deliver with speed. 

Honered Sir, 

We whose names are hereunto subscribed, Received your order 
Bearing date the 16th of January 1676, wherein you design us to send 
you a list of the names of all such persons. Inhabitants or strangers, of 
what perswation soever, with what lossess they have sustained m their 
persons or estates, and are in distresse, which accordingly we have here 
done, according to our ability. Isaac Buck, sen. ) 

Scituate the 26th. Jeremiah Hatch, \ Selectmen. 

of January 1676. John Gushing, ) 

£ 

Joseph Sylvester — house and barn burnt, worth .... 1000000 
Edward Wright — house and barn burnt, estimated ... 350000 

Nicholas Albeson — his house burnt 6 00 00 

John Curtis, sen. — house and barn burnt 40 00 00 

John Bompas — house and barn burnt 35 00 00 

' Serj. Abram Sutliffe — house and barn burnt 50 00 00 

Widow Blackmore — house and barn burnt 40 00 00 

John Buck — house and barn burnt 40 00 00 

James Torrey — house and barn burnt 45 00 00 

Widow Torrey — house and barn burnt 40 00 00 

Henry EavoU — house and barn burnt 10 00 00 

Thomas Woodworth — dwelling house burnt 40 00 00 

William Wills — one ox, one horse, lulled as they stud yoke 8 00 00 
Job Randall, his anne broken with a shott, which disabled liim from 
work for a time. 
Joseph Thorne, shot through the arme, lame for a time. 
Theophilus Witherly, wholly disabled, and so like to be. 
William Perry, disabled by a wound diverse months. 
John Barker, was disabled by a shott diverse months. 
Jonathan Jackson, disabled by a shott some time. 
Timothy White has received damage in his hed by a shott. 
These avIuoavs lost their husbands by the enemy. 
Widow Pierce. 
WidoAv Russell. 
WidoAv Savory. 

WidoAv Willcome. (Not Whitcomb as in page 128.) 
WidoAv Pratt. 
WidoAv Blackmore. 
Anthony Dodson lost his son, who Avas under his government. 
Richard Standlake's family suffers much by the loss of his sone Jere- 
miah BarstOAv.* 



* He was Ihen in captivity amongst tlie Indians. 

51 



402 APPENDIX. 

Jonathan Turner lost his 'prentice with Capt. Pierce. 

Walter Briggs lost his Irishman at the swamp, which was his estate. 

Strangers from Shipscot River. 
" Mr. Dyer left all behind him, who sowed 16 bushells of wheat, planted 
a bushel! and a half of Indii'n Corne, sowed 9 busliells of peas, left 56 
had of cattell, 30 swine, and household goods, and tackling for plow and 
carte. 

John White, and John Lee his son in law, sowed 10 bushells of wheat, 
planted 2 bushells of Indian corne, 5 bushells of peas, 17 hed of cattell, 
16 swine, one horse. 

Philip Randall sowed 9 bushells of peas, 5 or 6 of wheat, 16 hed of 
cattell, 6 swine. 

Widow Cole, 2 oxen cowes, 2 heifers, sowed 6 bushells of wheat, 

planted 3 bushells of Indian corne." 

We have seen amongst the Winslow papers, in possession of Hon. 
John Davis, several curiou.s documents relative to Serjeant Johnson's 
claims at Scituate (see pagr 297) and particularly a letter from Gov. 
Josiah Winslow, (dated Marcli 14, 1673-4) addressed to Gen. Cudworth, 
which probably contributed xjiucIi to the ending of the controversy. 



III. 

See Page 198. 
Rev. KATHANIEL EELLS. 

In our notice of Mr. Eoll^', we remarked that he was a firm opposer of 
Mr. Whitefield. We nov/ : dd, that he subscribed the Declaration in 
favour of the religious reviv Is of those times, presented to the public by 
an assembly of ministers, I'onvened at Boston, July 7th. 1743; but we 
observe in that curious document, that Mr. Eells and several others made 
an exception, by testifying it the same time, against itinerating, and in- 
vading the parishes of regularly settled ministers. 

See "Historical Collections relating to remarkable periods of the suc- 
cess of the gospel, &c. By John Gillies of Glasgow." 

In 1745, Mr. Eells had witnessed so many and so wild disorders in the 
churches that he thought it his duty to lay his sentiments respecting 
them before the public. Thore is extant a printed letter, addressed to 
his church and society. It may be seen amongst the Tracts in the Bos- 
ton Atheneum. Vol. marked C. 4. 4. 

It is ably written, and assigns reasons for not admitting Whitefield into 
his pulpit. Amongst his reasons are, that Mr. Whitefield had forfeited 
the Episcopal ordination which he had received, and was suspended from 
the ministry for his irregularity, and had received no other ordination. 
That his itinerancy tended to disorganization and confusion, inasmuch 
as he avoided such places as A^ere destitute of teachers, and forced him- 
self into those places wJiere tl ere were able and faithful ministers ; that 



APPENDIX. 403 

he lavished abuses upon the ministers of the gospel, encouraged dis- 
orders and divisions, and availed himself of the assistance of disorgan- 
izers, " commending Mr. Tenant's Nottingham Sermon, in which Mr. 
Tenant outstrippeth Rabshakeh, in raillery against the clergy of this 
generation." 

Appended to the letter, is a review, by Mr. EcUs, of " a pamphlet put 
out by a number of ministers met at Taunton, March l§th. 1744, Avherein 
they have published three reasons for countenancing and encouraging 
Mr. Whitolield." Their reasons are First, " because tlie doctrines 
which he preaches are agreeable to the standard of truth." Secondly, 
" because of his remarkable success." Thirdly, " because of his exem- 
plary piety." To the first, Mr. Eells answers, by quoting some of Mr. 
Whitefield's doctrines, e. g. " that God loveth sinners as sinners, &c." 
and shrewdly questions whether they be agreeable to the standard of 
truth. To the second he replies in such language as the following, " It 
is to be observed with lamentation, that the success of his ministry (if it 
may be called success) hath been to raise in the minds of many a spirit 
of censoriousness and uncharitableness, of bitterness, anger, wrath, 
malice, envy, revenge, in many, as is evident to every observing eye, by 
the carriage of hi-; admirers toward many of the brethren, with whom, 
before he came amongst us, they lived in peace and good agreement. 
Such success he hath hr.cl, to the grief of many godly persons." To the 
third reason he replies, "is it exemplary ])iety for a man to break his 
ordination vows ? Is it e>:oir]i1ary piety for a man that had the pastoral 
care of any church, to turn ;; \ ;; grant preacher, and ramble about the 
world ? Is it exemplary piety in !i;;n to disturb the peace of the churches 
of Christ in one place and another? Is it exemplary piety in him, to 
grieve the spirit of holy ministers and holy brethren, and provoke them 
to pray that God would rebuke him ?" 

Those readers who are acquainted with the history of Mr. Whitefield, 
his success as a preacher, and the opposition that withstood him, need 
not be informed that Mr. Eells was amongst the moderate and cool oppo- 
sers of that singular man. It would be easy to quote pamphlets written 
in 1745, and a few years later, which expose great excesses and irregu- 
larities, not to say immoralities, in Whitefield and liis satellites. But 
this was not our object in noticing the pamphlet of Mi*. Eells, but rather 
to illustrate the character and sentiments of the writer. Whitefield Avas 
a man of extraordinary powers of elocution, he won the multitudes, and 
became intoxicated with success. But as to real learning and solid 
moral woilh, he was immensely below the Barnards, Chauncey, Mayhew, 
Gay, Clap, and a host of others whom he dared to revile. 



IV. 

See Page 190. 
Rev. NEHEMIAH THOMAS. 

While our work was in the press, we were called to lament the de- 
cease of this worthy man. He died August 10, 1831. He had proceeded 
to the sea beach, in a remarkably sultry afternoon, (in company with his 



404 APPENDIX. 

sister in law, Miss Elizabeth Otis,) for the benefit of freslier air. He had, 
perhaps rather imprudently, thrown off his shoes and stockings, and 
waded in the cool sea water. On his returning to his chaise, at the east 
end of the :3d. Cliff, and attempting to ascend the step, he fell^ and in- 
stantaneously expired, of an apoplexy. He was born I'eb. 3d, 1765. He 
was a descendant of Nathaniel Thomas, an earljr settler in Plymouth 
Colony. His father was Nathaniel Thomas, Esq. of Marshfield, a worthy 
gentleman, who gave to his son, the advantages of a religious education, 
and also the best means of a liberal education that the country could 
furnish. He received his first degree at Harvard College in 178U. His 
Theological studies were pursued under the direction of Rev. Dr. Shaw 
of Marshfield.* He entered on the ministry in 1792. He preached for 
a short term to the New South Congregational Church and Society in 
Boston, in the summer of 1792 ; and in the autumn of the same year, was 
ordained in the first Church and Society in Scituate. 

As to the faithfulness and ability, with which he has served that peo- 
ple, there is an impartial Mitness 'in the facts, that he attached a numer- 
ous society to his personal friendship, and to his ministry for thirty-nine 
years. His ministry, though not remarkably long, was yet the longest 
that has been exercised in that Society. 

Mr. Thomas was distinguished for an open-heartedness &nd a guileless 
simplicity : for much freedom in expressing his OAvn sentiments, and yet 
without that bluntness of manner which gives oflence, and for much can- 
dor in accepting the same freedom from others ; for readiness to give ad- 
vice or reproof, and for meekness in receiving it : for willingness to lead, 
or willingness to be led, if thereby the true path might be found. In 
faith and affection, in character and practice, he belonged to the class of 
liberal or Unitarian Christians. He was not given to controversy : he 
never aimed at the notoriety of attacking the faith of others, while he 
practised no arts to conceal his own. Desirous of keeping the even 
tenor of his own way, Avithout molesting or being molested, he beautiful- 
ly exemplified those traits of courtesy and gentleness which adorn the 
Christian character, and that charity which is greater than knowledge, 
or zeal, or eloquence, or even miraculous faith. 

With a constitution far from robust, he had been for years struggling 
against infirmities, and labouring on in his callinc, often with despondent 
feelings, which nothing but a humble trust in Divine Providence could 
support. It is sixteen years, since the loss of a promising and beloved 
son, gave a sensible shock to his health. It is nearly four years, since a 
paralytic affection added an irrecoverable stroke, and though he had 
risen so far as to resume his labours, after a few months, yet from time to 
time, he had received strong intimations that the final attack of a mortal 
malady was threatening Mm. The loss of his admirable consort in March 
last, was another stroke which he was doomed to suffer, and there was 
still another, simultaneous, the hopeless bereavement of reason, of his 
daughter, Lucy Otis, at the time of her mother's decease. There was a 
train of calamities, thus following this worthy man, that has rarely been 
equalled. His burial was attended by a very numerous concourse, 
August 12th. A funeral procession accompanied his remains from his 
late mansion to the Meeting-house, Avhere prayers were offered by Rev. 
Dr. Kendall of Plymouth, and a Sermon preached by the pastor of the 
2d. Church, from Jeremiah xlv. 3, "The Lord had added grief to my 
sorrows." His remains were then deposited, for the present, in the tomb 
of the Stockbridge family. 

* Not at the University, as remarked in page 190. 



APPENDIX. 



V. 



405 



In nao-e 257, Ave remarked the unanimity with which the Senate con- 
firmed the nomination of Chief Justice Gushing. We here thmk proper 
to add, that nothing but a confidence in his ability, and in his unshaken 
intee-rity, could have united contending parties on that occasion. It was 
well known to which party of the day, Judge Gushing belonged. We 
have evidence enough, that his sentiments were never disg-uised. We 
have before us at tins time, a Gharge delivered by him to the brand 
Jury of the District of Virginia," Sept. 23d. 1798, in which he eloquently 
portrays the horrors of the French Revolution, and admonishes .ag-ainst 
beino- deceived by French wiles, and taken in the "plot agamst the 
right's of nations and of mankind, and against all religion and virtue, 
order and decency." In the same charge he ably defends the Sedition 
Law, on the ground of its being a melioration of the law of England, by 
" allowing the party accused, to prove the truth of his assertions. Ana 
in defend of the Alien Law he is equally bold and decisive. He had a 
felicity of manner, and an unblemished dignity of character, which ena- 
bled him to be open and decisive, without kindling the rage ot oppo- 
sition. 



See Page 359. 

In our account of the family of Torrey, we mentioned a tradition that 
Josiah Torrey unfortunately lost his life by an explosion of gunpowder. 
We made this statement from tradition: but having discovered an im- 
portant error, we add the following extract from the Gliurch Records ot 
Roxbury. "July 5, 1G65, there happened a very sad accident at Scituate. 
Lieut Torrev, liavinj? received order from the Gov. of Plymouth (by rea- 
son of the king's letter, that informs us that the Hollanders are coming 
ao-ainst us) to look to the powder and ammunition of the towne ; he went 
into the house of Goodman Ticknor, where the magazine of the town 
was, which was but two barrels of powder, and opened them : and while 
the said Lieut, was drying some of the powder abroad upon boards, by 
some accident, he knows not what, the powder was fired, both that in the 
house and that abroad, the house blown up and broken in pieces and the 
woman of the house, Goodwife Ticknor, miserably burnt on her body 
(for it seems that she was at that instant, stepping up on the barrel that 
was in the house, to reach somethino-) and a little child ^^as^^^^ly burnt, 
and buried in the rubbish and timber: but the woman and child lived 
several hours after, (about ten or eleven.) Also the Lieut, was sadly 
burnt in his breast, face, hands and armes, yet he lived till the next day, 

and then died." „ ^ . , ■, m r-i^vir 

The unfortunate gentleman was the father of Josiah, and i own uierK 

at the time of his decease. The wife of Serjeant Ticknor, who perished 

by this accident, was Hannah, the daughter of Mr. John Stockbndge, 



40G APPENDIX. 

and the cliild was her eldest son John, then about six years of age. The 
decease of these three persons is entered on our records, viz. "Hannah, 
wife of William Ticknor, and John her son, July 5th, 1665, and Lieut. 
James Torrey, July 6th." but no account is given of the manner of their 
death. 

We are indebted for the above extract from the Records of Roxbury, 
to Mr. Joshua Coffin. 

We learn also, from the same persevering gentleman, that Mr. Will- 
iam Vassall (see page 366| is noticed in the Records of Roxbury, that 
Anna his wife was a memoer of the church there, and that his children, 
Judith, Frances, John, Margaret and Mary also appear on the records. 
We account for tliis very easily, by recollecting Mr. Vassall's controversy 
witli Mr. Chauncy, the minister of Scituate. These children were doubt- 
less carried thither for baptism. 



VI. 

DOUBLE DATING. (Referred to in page 394.) 

The first instance which we notice in our Records is that of the birth 
of " Joseph son of Henry Chittenden March 8, 1656-7. After the Calen- 
dar was corrected by Pope Gregory XHI. in 1582, though the correction 
was immediately adopted by all the Catholic countries, it was not adopt- 
ed by England until 1752. This was the New Style, and the year being 
made to commence on the 1st. of January, instead of the 25th. of Marcli, 
gave occasion to the double dates, which Avere practised here and in Eng- 
land, for a century previous to 1752. Most of the Nations having adopted 
the New Style, it was thought proper, by the English, to pay some regard 
to it by double dating. It could be used only between January 1st. and 
March 25th. Thus, in the example above quoted, "March 8, 1656-7," 
it would be 56 in the Old Style, because the year according to that 
Style, would not close until March 25, but in the New Style, it would be 
57, because according to that Style, the year had already commenced on 
the 1st. of January. The double dating ceased after 1752. The correc- 
tion of the Calendar however consisted in a more important alteration 
than that above named. It was found that the Julian year (adopted by 
Julius CiEsar) consisting of 365 days 6 hours, and every fourth year of 
366 days, was a fraction too long, and carried the Spring months gradual- 
ly into the Summer: the error had already amounted to 11 days. In 
order therefore to bring the Vernal Equinox on the 21st. of March, the 
Pope ordered to strike out 11 days from Sept. 1582, calling the 3d day 
the 14tli. And in order to provide that the Equinox should continue to 
fall on the 21st. of March, the year was made to consist of 365 days, with 
an intercalary day in February, every fourth or leap year, omitting this 
additional day 3 times in 400 years. It was omitted in 1800. 



INDEX. 



Aborigines . , 
Agriculture . , 
Alewive fishery 
Almshouse . . 
American war . 
St. Andrew's church 
Andros, Sir Edmund 

" his orders and arrest 
Animals .... 
Allowed inhabitants 
Ancient landmarks 
Assistants, list of . 
Assinippi 
Baptist society . 
Baptism by immersion yielded 
Baptism of grandchildren 
Baker, Rev. Nicholas 
Barnes, Dr. . . . 
Barstow, George . 
Bees, first noticed 
Bells, church . . 
Bird, Thomas, first settler 
Blinman, at Marshfield 
Bourn, Rev. Shearjashub 
Boundaries 
Bridges and ferries 
Brooks . . . 
Briggs' harbour 
Burying grounds 
Canal proposed 
Canada Expedition 
Census . . . 
Charter of William and Mary 
Chauncey's letters 

" leaves Scituate 

" President 
Colony line . . 
Conihasset grantees 

" partners 

" bounds 
Clap, President 
Cliffs . . . 
Committee of safety 
Commons . , 
Charities . . 
Clerks, Town 



89, 



D. 



143 Counsellors .... 

28 Churches reconciled . 

24 Colman's hills . . . 

113 Cushing. William, L. L. 

133 Cudworth, Gen. James 

45 Deputies to Court 

98 Deed of the church 

105 Dunster, President 

149 Dawes, Rev. Ebenezer 
155 Dorby, Rev. Jonathan 
158 Division of lands . 

98 Double dating . . 

43 Eastern Expedition 

57 Earthquake . . 

173 Ecclesiastical history 

91 Education .... 

181 Elders, Ruling . . . 

203 Elliot, letters to . . 

219 Electors, qualification of 

355 Elders, at Weymouth 

33 Eells, Rev. Nathaniel 

221 Ewell's house burnt 

81 Friends, Society of 

186 Ferries .... 

1 Fisheries .... 

15 " at Cape Cod 

21 French war . . . 

23 Freemen, list of 

115 Family sketches 

23 Gillman, Edward . 

130 Graduates . . 

157 Garrisons . . . 

lOG Government . . 

G2 Gay, Dr. (Note) . 

87 Grosvenor, Rev. E. 

172 Green's harbour, channel 

3 Hanover incorporated 

4 Harbour .... 
G Hatherly, Timothy 

5 Haunted house 
235 Hingham line 

150 House lots, first 
137 Herring brooks 
115 Hospital . . 
112 Hinckley . . 
112 Hoar, John . . 



lOG 

88 



25G, 405 
245 
99 
175 
179 
189 
201 
10 
406 
130 
150 
59 
92 
90 
76 
106 
196 
197, 402 
126, 401 
47 
15 
23 
93 
131 
153 
164 
4 
96 
125 
97, 104 
202 
187 
275 
2 
22 
280 
153 
4 
8 
21 
112 
284 
286 



INDEX. 



Indians 125 to 146 

Ingham's wife accused . . . 152 

Judson, Rev. Mi" 57 

Kent, men of 8 

Laws against Quakers ... 49 

Law for religious taxes ... 33 

" against smoking tobacco 308 

Lawyers, list of 97 

Landings 115 

Lawson, Rev. Deodate . . . 195 

Lotlirop, Rev. John .... 1G7 

Losses of Scituate . . . 128, 401 

Light house 22 

Little's bridge 16 

Mackerel fishery ... 24 to 26 

Manufactures 29 

Meeting houses . 32, 37, 41, 115 

Methodist Society .... 58 

Marshfield line 4 

Ministers of Hanover (Note) . 2 

Mills 16 

Military affairs 117 

Manners, &c 151 

Mineralogy 149"^ 

Mortality, bills of 117 

Municipal laws 110 

Ministers of Duxbury . . . 400 

Mighill, Rev. Thomas ... 194 

Name (Note) 1 

Navigation 27 

New harbour 22 

North River 19 

Narragansett war 120 

Newman's letter to Cotton . . 122 

Natural history 148 

Norton, Humphrey .... 51 

New Style 406 

Officers of Revolutionary war . 139 
Ordination, Congregational 90, 178 

Opinions in early times ... 91 

Old Tenor 112 

Old Style . 406 

Oyster bank 24 

Parishes 30 

Parsonages 33, 42 

Pastor, distinct, from teacher . 89 

Phipps', Sir William, warrant 106 

Physicians . .. . . . . . 114 

Publick grounds . . . . . 115 

Philip's war . 121 

Pierce's defeat 122 

Pequod war 117 

Ponds . 147 

Post ofRces, &c 163 



Pitcher, Rev. N 184 

His elegy 398 

Quakers, persecution of . . 48 

Roads laid out 12 

" -in Conihasset ... 14 

Records of churches .... 91 

Rayner, Minister of Plymouth 78 

Representatives 106 

Revolutionary war .... 133 

Rehoboth battle 122 

Rhode Island's campaign , . 136 

Revolu. Soldiers and Pensioners 130 

Saxton, Rev. G 166 

Senators 106 

Schools 94 

Ship building 27 

Share line 6 

Settlement 7 

Swamps, division of ... . 12 

Small pox 112 

Soldiers, wounded .... 121 

Showamett sold 128 

Soldiers of French war . . . 131 

Stage roads and coaches . . 163 

Surveys 147 

Surface 147 

The Two Miles 6 

Temperate Society .... 113 

Thacher, Rev. Thomas . . . 176 
Thomas, Rev. N. . . . 190, 404 

Torrey, James, death of . . 405 

Topography 146 

Tories, suspected 137 

Training fields 115 

Trinitarian Society .... 58 

Union bridge 16 

Union of colonies 117 

Vassall, WiUiam .... 10, 366 

" goes to England . 84, 369 

" his religious opinions . 89 

Vessels burnt, at harbour . . 141 

Vaccination 113 

Witherell's ordination ... 82 

" his life 190 

" his elegy 395 

War, Pequod 117 

War, Narragansett .... 120 
" Philip's . . . 128,401 

« French 131 

" of Revolution . . . 133 

" of 1812 141 

Witchcraft 3, 151 

Wampatuck's deed .... 144 

Whitefield 402 



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